THE BOOK OF THE DEAD

THE BOOK OF GATES

THE BOOK OF BREATHINGS

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THE BODY

The Egyptians believed that the body has nine separate parts: -

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1. "Kha -  The physical body of the human which decayed after death, according to the Egyptians, only if it was not mummified and persevered properly". (Michigan State University, 2014). 

2. "Ka - The ancient Egyptian term for a spiritual essence that existed alongside the human form and yet maintained individuality throughout the earthly sojourns, the ka was an astral being, yet considered the guiding force for all human life. The Egyptians recognized “the double” aspects of the ka, and in some statues the pharaohs were depicted as having an identical image at their sides. While existing with the human being during his or her mortal life, the ka was the superior power in the realms beyond the grave. The term for death was “...go to one's Ka” or “Go to one’s ka in the sky. Kas resided in the divine beings as well, and pious Egyptians placated - (made less angry) the kas of the gods in order to receive favors. Some deities combined their kas and bas, their souls, in cosmological traditions, and they entered as guardians of places at the same time. Osiris was always called The Ka of the Pyramids. The ka entered eternity before its human host, having served its purpose by walking at the human’s side on earth to urge kindness, quietude, honor, and compassion. Throughout the life of the human, the ka was the conscience, the guardian, the guide. After death, however, the ka became supreme. Rulers thus laid claim to multiple kas. Ramesses II (r. 1290–1224 B.C.E.) of the Nineteenth Dynasty declared that he had more than 20 such astral beings at his side. The ka was also viewed as part of the divine essence that nurtured all existence on the earth and in the heavens". (Bunson, 2002, p. 189). "The double that lingered on in the tomb inhabiting the body or even statues of the dead, but was also independent of the deceased body and could move, eat and drink at will".  (Michigan State University, 2014). 

3. "Ba - The human-headed bird representing the soul or the vital essence of human beings, the ba appears at the moment of union between the Ka and the body, leaving the mortal remains at death with the ka. The ba can survive in the afterlife only if it remains in close proximity to the ka, whose servant it appears to be at that time. The ba was originally written with the symbol of the Nile Jabiru bird and was thought to be an attribute of the god king. The symbol for the ba was then changed to that of a human-headed hawk. The translation of the actual name ba is possibly “manifestation,” and supposedly it was spoken “in words of weeping.” The literal translation is “power.” Humans had only one ba, but the gods had many. The ba was also considered a “divine essence.” In many eras it was listed as the soul of the ka. For human affairs, the ba played the role of moral sense or a conscience. Great care was taken that the ba was not led astray after death by evil influences, as it appears to have had mobility. Rituals were designed to lead the ba to the ka and the mortal remains of the deceased after wandering. When the bas were destined for eternal joy, they were called the baiu menkhu. When damned according to the Egyptian moral codes, they were termed baiu mitu. The ba was also equipped with spiritual weapons, such as spells and AMULETS, and was then termed the ba’apur". (Bunson, 2002, p. 81). 

4. "Khaibit - The shadow of a soul. Viewed as the spiritual essence that was released from the confines of the human body at death. No particular role or purpose has been clearly defined for the khaibit in surviving texts, but the Egyptians anticipated the liberation of the shadow beyond the grave". (ibid, p. 198).

5. "Akhu - According to The Pyramid Texts, in the Pyramid for Pharaoh Unas, (the ninth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty in the mid 24th century BC), the soul belongs to heaven, and the body to the earth (Antechamber, North Wall Hieroglyphs Utterance 302 - (474). This was the immortal part, the radiant and shining being that lived on in the Sahu, the intellect, will and intentions of the deceased that transfigured death and ascended to the heavens to live with the gods". (Michigan State University, 2014). 

6. "Ren - The ancient Egyptian word for name, it was considered vital to an individual’s identity on earth and in the afterlife. A nameless being could not enter into the realms of the gods—in fact, could not exist at all. The duty of each family member, therefore, was to perpetuate the names of their ancestors in cultic ceremonies. The names of the deceased were recited aloud each day, long after they had been buried. Those who could afford to do so hired mortuary priests to recite the daily liturgies in honor of the dead, so as to insure eternal bliss. The dead were also believed to benefit from the recitation of the royal or divine names, which made the kings and the gods happy to intercede on their behalf". (Bunson, 2002, p. 344).

7. "Sahu - The incorruptible spiritual body of man that could exist in the heavens, appearing from the physical body after the judgement of the dead was passed (if successful) with all of the mental and spiritual abilities of a living body". (Michigan State University, 2014).

8. "Sekhem - This was the Egyptian term for the vital force of a human being that serves as a companion in eternity but is distinct from the KA and the BA. The term translates literally as “to have mastery over something". (Bunson, 2002, p. 359).

9. "Ib (Ab, Yb) - The Heart. The physical organ called hat as a material bodily entity and ab as a spiritual body. The heart was considered the seat of reason, faith, and essence by the Egyptians and was normally left in the body during mummification. A heart scarab was included in the wrappings because the heart testified at The Judgment Halls Of Osiris. The heart was weighed there against a feather of the deity Ma’at to determine the worthiness of the deceased. Heart amulets were popular in the New Kingdom (1550–1070 B.C.E.) and were fashioned out of carnelian or glass". (ibid, p. 163). 

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INTO THE WEST

​When the individual died their body was mummified with their organs removed (except the heart). They were then buried with The Book of the Dead and The Book of Gates to assist them through the 12 gates into the afterlife - Sekhet-Aaru (The Field of Reeds).

The deceased's 'ka' would leave their body and begin the journey by boat, known as 'the boat of the sun', through the 12 gates (which they called 'The West'). If they successfully passed the 12 gates, they would then partake of cakes and ale and joints of meat and reside in Sekhet-Aaru with the gods.

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The following information is based on what was discovered in 1815 A.D. in the sarcophagus of Seti I: - 

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       Gate 1

The journey began in 'the region that was beyond the day' and its destination was Tuat - the underworld. In the boat was Sa - the god of divine intelligence and the navigator of the boat, and Hekau - the personification of the word of power, or of magical utterance.

To the right of the boat were the 12 gods who were called "gods of the mountain", and the text in Seti I's sarcophagus referring to them read: -

"[These gods] have come into being from Ra, and from his substance, and have emerged from his eye. He hath decreed for them [as] a place (or, abode) the Hidden Mountain (Ament Set), which consumeth men, and gods, and all cattle, and all reptiles which are created by this great god. This great god hath decreed the plans (or, designs) thereof having made [them] to spring up in the earth which he created."

On the left of the boat stood 12 gods, who were called 'gods of Set-Amentet', and the text referring to them read: -

"The hidden place. [These are] those who have consumed the men, and the gods, and all the cattle, and all the reptiles which this great god hath created. 'This great god hath decreed plans for them after he made them to spring up in the land which he created, that is to say, in the Amentet which he made".

The 'boat of the sun' would pass between 'the mountain of the west' that was divided into two and enter into the second gateway, that of Saa-set.

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   Gate 2

The boat was then towed by 4 gods (the Tuaiu). One god in the form of a ram-headed man with a solar disk above his horns and a staff in his right hand, stood in a shrine on the boat and in front of the shrine stood Sa, and behind it Hekau. 

Serpents surrounded the boat, one named Mehen. Another serpent which stood on its tail was guard to the door of this gateway and Sa would then say to the serpent, 'Open thy door to Ra, throw wide open thy door to KHUTI. The hidden abode is in darkness, so that the transformations of this god may take place.' 

The boat was then met by 13 gods, one of which held a staff in his hand and had no name. The first 7 were known as: - Nepemeh, Nenha, Ba who had the head of a ram, Heru who had the head of a hawk, Beha-Ab, Khnemu, and Setchet. The last 6 gods who were described as 'gods who are in the entrances' who then began to tow the boat of the sun. 

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To the right of the boat were 24 gods. The first 12 were described as 'those who were at peace - the worshippers of Ra'. The text referring to them stated: - "These [are they who] have worshipped (or, praised) Ra upon earth, who uttered words of power against Apep, who made their offerings unto him, and who burnt (literally, made) incense to their gods on their own behalf, after their offerings. They have gained possession of their cool waters, and they receive their meat, and they eat of their offerings in the gateway of him whose name is hidden. Their meat is by the gateway, and their offerings are with him. who is therein". And Ra saith unto them: - "Your offerings are yours, ye have power over your cool waters, your souls shall never be hacked to pieces, your meat shall never fail, [O ye who have] praised [me], and have vanquished Apep for me". (Apep - snake demon of darkness and chaos who threatened to destroy Ra as he travelled though the underworld - (Hill, 2010).

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The second set of 12 gods were described as 'the righteous who are in the Tuat'. The text referring to them stated: - 

"[These are] they [who] spake truth upon earth, and who were not addicted to evil thought about the gods. They make their invocations in this gateway, they live upon maat (i.e., truth), and their cool waters are in their cisterns". Ra saith unto them: -"Truth is yours, live ye on your food. Ye yourselves are truth"; and they have power over these their cool waters, which are waters of fire to those who have guilt and sin. And these gods said to Ra: - "Let there be stability to the Disk of Ra. Let him that is in the shrine have the mastery over it, and let the serpent [Mehen] guard him well. May the flames of Khuti which are in the corners of the hidden shrine grow stronger.' And there shall be given to them meat in the place of peace in their circle".

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To the left side of the boat was: - The god Tem (in the form of an aged man, leaning heavily on a stick which he grasped in his right hand); 4 male beings who were lying on their backs described as 'the inert'; 20 male beings who had their backs bowed and their arms tied together at their elbows behind their backs. They were described as 'the apostates of The Hall of Ra' who had blasphemed Ra on earth, who had invoked evils on him that was in the Egg, and who had thrust aside the right, and had spoken words against KHUTI. The text referring to 'the inert' and the apostates read: - "Tem worketh on behalf of Ra, glorifying the god, and singing praises to his soul, and distributing evil things to his enemies. [He saith]:- 'The word of my father Ra is right (maat) against you, and my word is right against you. I am the son who proceedeth from his father, and I am the father who proceedeth from his son. Ye are fettered, and ye are tied with strong cord, and it is I who have sent forth the decree concerning you that ye should be bound in fetters; your arms shall never more be opened. Ra pronounceth the formula against you, his soul is prepared to attack you; my father hath gained the mastery over you, and his soul uttereth words against you. Your evil deeds [have turned] against you, your plottings [have come] upon you, your abominable acts [have recoiled] upon you, your destinies are for evil, and your doom hath been decreed before Ra; your unjust and perverted judgments are upon yourselves, and the wickedness of your words of cursing are upon you. Evil is the doom which hath been decreed for you before my father. It is you who have committed sins, and who have wrought iniquity in the Great Hall; your corruptible bodies shall be cut in pieces, and your souls shall have no existence, and ye shall never again see Ra with his attributes [as] he journeyeth in the hidden land. Hail, Ra! Adored be Ra! Thine enemies are in the place of destruction'".

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   Gate 3

After passing through gate 2, the boat of the sun arrived at The Gate of Aqebi which was guarded by nine gods in the form of mummies - The Lords of Destinies. The door was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Aqebi. Sa then said to Aqebi 'Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy door to KHUTI. He shall illumine the darkness, and he shall force a way for the light in the habitation which is hidden'. The boat was then towed by four gods with Ra standing in the shrine as before.

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Along the way, the boat passed 12 shrines each containing a god inside known as 'the holy gods who are in the Tuat'. Alongside the 12 shrines was a huge serpent who guarded these 'holy gods'. Beyond the shrines was "...the lake of water which is in the Tuat, and it is surrounded by the gods who are arrayed in [their] apparel, and who have [their] heads uncovered". This lake is filled with green herbs. The water of this lake is boiling hot, and the birds betake themselves to flight when they see the waters thereof, and when they smell the fœtid smell which is in it. Unto these gods saith Ra: - "O ye gods whose duty it is [to guard] the green herbs of your lake, whose heads core uncovered, and whose limbs are covered with garments, may there be air to your nostrils, and may offerings be made to you of the green herbs, and may your meat be from your lake. The water thereof shall be yours, but to you it shall not be boiling, and the heat thereof shall not be upon your bodies". These [gods] say unto Ra: - "Come thou unto us, O thou who sailest in thy boat, whose eye is of blazing fire which consumeth, and hath a pupil which sendeth forth light! The beings of the Tuat shout with joy when thou approachest; send forth thy light upon us, O thou great god who hast fire in thine eye. Their food consisteth of loaves of bread and green herbs, and their drink (or, beer) is of the kemtet plants, and their cool water is from [their cisterns of] water. And food shall be given unto them in abundance from this lake".

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To the left of the boat were two groups of beings. The first was the god Tem in the form of an aged man with bent shoulders, leaning on a staff. Coiled up in front of him was Apep and behind Apep were 9 men called the 'Tchatcha' who repulsed Apepi.  

The texts which referred to this group read: - '"The first group shows us what "TEM hath done for Ra, and how he hath protected the god by words of magical power, and hath overthrown the serpent SEBA. [TEMU saith:--] 'Thou art prostrate, and thou shalt never more rise up; thou art enchanted by [my enchantments], and thou shalt never more be found. The word of my father is maat against thee, and my word is maat against thee; I have destroyed thee for Ra, and I have made an end of thee for KHUTI'".

The company of the gods of Ra who repulse APEP say: --'Thy head is slit, O Apep, thy folds are gashed, thou shalt never more envelop the boat of Ra, and thou shalt never again make a way into the divine bark. A flame of fire goeth out against thee from the hidden place, and we have condemned thee to thy dire doom.' They (i.e., the nine gods of the company of Ra) live upon the food of Ra, and upon the cakes of KHENT-AMENTI, for offerings are made on their behalf upon earth, and libations of cool water are made unto them by the lord of food (or, as lords of food) before Ra'".

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The second group was Tem in a similar form and before him stood nine gods who each held the symbol of life in the right hand, and the sceptre in the left. These nine gods were called "Nebu khert," i.e., Lords of Destinies.

To the second group of nine gods "Tem saith:--'Inasmuch as ye are the gods who possess life and sceptre (i.e., authority), and who have mastery over your sceptres, drive ye back the serpent Seba from Khuti, gash ye with knives the foul and evil serpent Afu'. These are the gods who work enchantments on Apep, who open the earth to Ra, and who shut it against Apep in the gates of Khenti-Amenti. They are those who are in the hidden place, and they praise Ra, and they destroy his enemies, and they protect the great one against the serpent Afu, and they utter cries of joy at the overthrow by Ra of the enemy of Ra. They live upon the meat of Ra, and on the cakes offered to Khenti-Amenti. Offerings are made on their behalf upon earth, and they receive libations through [their] word being maat in Ament, and holy are they of arm in their hidden place. They utter cries to Ra, and they make lamentation for the great god after he hath passed by them, for when he hath departed they are enveloped in darkness, and their circle is closed upon them".

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    Gate 4

After passing through gate 3, the boat of the sun arrived at Nebt-S-Tchefau which was guarded by nine gods in the form of mummies - the "third company of the gods of the great god who are within". The door was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Tchetbi. Sa then said to Tchetbi, "Open [thy] gate to Ra, unfold thy doors to KHUTI, that he may send light into the thick darkness, and may make his radiance illumine the hidden habitation". The boat was towed by the four gods of the Tuat. The '12 goddess of the hours' then guided the boat of the sun in a straight line. 

On the right of the boat was: - 1. Twelve gods, bearded and standing upright, who were called "the gods who carry along their doubles", 2. Twelve jackal-headed gods, who stood around the "Lake of Life," who are called the "jackals in the lake of life", 3. Ten Uraei, who stood round the Lake of the Uraei," and were called The Living Uraei."

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On the left side of the path of the boat was Osiris in mummified form wearing the crown of the South on his head, standing on a serpent, and partially covered by the earth of a mountain. Only his head was above the ground, and he stood in a naos with a vaulted dome. His name or title, Khent-Amenti was written by his side. Before the shrine was a Flame-goddess in the form of a uraeus, and behind her were twelve gods, who stood in front of Horus who was in the form of a hawk-head who leant on a staff. Behind the shrine which contained Osiris stood twelve gods, who were described as "the gods who are behind the shrine". Behind, or by the side of these, were four pits or hollows in the ground, by the side of each stood a god with his body bent forward in adoration before a bearded god, who held the symbol of life in the right hand (the ankh) and a sceptre in the left. The four gods were called "Masters of their pits," and their lord was called the "Master of Earths".

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     Gate 5

After passing through gate 4, the boat of the sun arrived at Arit which was guarded by nine gods - the "fourth company - The Aau". A jackal-headed god - Tekmi stood at the entrance to the corridor and at its exit. The gateway was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Teka-Hra. Sa then said to Teka-Hra, "Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy doors to KHUTI, that he may send light into the thick darkness, and may make his radiance illumine the hidden habitation'" The boat was towed by the four gods of the Tuat. In front of the four gods of the Tuat were 9 gods "those who hold Ennutchi" a serpent. In front of the 9 gods were 12 bearded beings described as BAIU RETH-AMMU-TUAT, i.e., "the souls of the men who are in the Tuat". 

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On the right side of the boat were 12 male beings who bowed in adoration, "those who make adorations in the Tuat". The text which referred to the adorers read:- "[These are] they who make songs to Ra in Amentet and exalt Heru-khuti. [These are they who] knew Ra upon earth, and who made offerings unto him. Their offerings are in their place, and their glory is in the holy place of Ament". They say unto Ra: -- "Come thou, O Ra, progress through the Tuat. Praise be to thee! Enter thou among the holy [places] with the serpent Mehen". Ra saith unto them: -- "There are offerings for you, O ye who made offerings. I am content with what ye did for me, both when I used to shine in the eastern part of heaven, and when I was sinking to rest in the chamber of my Eye".

On the right side of the boat were also 12 male beings with a cord for measuring plot of ground and estates who were called "The Holders of the cord in the Tuat", and 4 gods who stood upright, each holding the symbol of life (ankh) in his right hand, and a sceptre in the left. 

The text referring to the holders of the measuring cord read:- "[These are they who] hold the measuring cord in Ament, and they go over therewith the fields of the KHU" (i.e., the beatified spirits). [Ra saith to them]: -- "Take ye the cord, draw it tight, and mark out the limit (or, passage) of the fields of Amentet, the KHU whereof are in your abodes, and the gods whereof are on your thrones". 

To the four bearded gods Ra saith: -- "Holy are ye, O HENBI gods, ye overseers of the cords in Amentet. [O stablish ye fields and give [them] to the gods and to the KHU (i.e., spirits) [after] they have been measured in Sekhet-Aaru. Let them give fields and sand to the gods and to the souls who are in the Tuat. Their food shall be from Sekhet-Aaru, and their offerings from the things which spring forth therein]".

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On the left path of the boat were: - 1. A hawk-headed god, leaning on a staff (Horus); 2. Four groups, each group containing four men. The first were Reth - Egyptians, the second were Aamu - dwellers in the deserts to the east and north-east of Egypt; the third were NEHESU - the black races, and the fourth were Themehu - Libyans; 3. Twelve bearded beings, each had both hands grasped to the body of a long serpent and were called 'The Holders of the period of time in Ament"; 4. Eight bearded gods, who were called "The Sovereign Chiefs of The Tuat".

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The passage referring to the four groups, each containing four men, read: - "Horus saith unto the creatures of Ra who dwell in the Black Land (Qemt, i.e., Egypt) and in the Red Land (i.e., the deserts which lie on each side of the Black Land formed of the mud of the Nile):- "Magical protection be unto you, O ye creatures of Ra, who have come into being from the Great One who is at the head of heaven! Let there be breath to your nostrils, and let your linen swathings be unloosed! Ye are the tears of the eye of my splendour in your name of Reth (i.e., men). Mighty of issue (AA-MU) ye have come into being in your name of AAMU; Sekhet hath created them, and it is she who delivereth (or, avengeth) their souls. I masturbated [to produce you], and I was content with the hundreds of thousands [of beings] who came forth from me in your name of NEHESU (i.e., Negroes); Horus made them to come into being, and it is he who avengeth their souls. I sought out mine Eye, and ye came into being in your name of THEMEHU; Sekhet hath created them, and she avengeth their souls".

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​The passage referring to the gods who made stable the period of life (KHERU-AHAU-EM-AMENT) read: - "Those who make firm (or, permanent) the duration of life stablish the days of the souls [in] Amenti and possess the word (or, command) of the place of destruction. Ra saith unto them:- "Inasmuch as ye are the gods who dwell in the Tuat, and who have possession of [the serpent] METERUI, by means of whom ye mete out the duration of life of the souls who are in Amenti who are condemned to destruction, destroy ye the souls of the enemies according to the place of destruction which ye are commanded to appoint, and let them not see the hidden place".

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The passage in the text which refers to the divine sovereign chiefs read: - "[Here are] the divine sovereign chiefs who shall destroy the enemies. They shall have their offerings by means of the word [which becometh] Maat; they shall have their oblations upon earth by means of the word [which becometh] Maat, and it is they who destroy and who pass the edict concerning (literally, write) the duration of the, life of the souls who dwell in Amenti. The destruction which is yours shall be [directed] against the enemies, and the power to write which ye possess shall be for the place of destruction. I have come, even I the great one Horus, that I may make a reckoning with my body, and that I may shoot forth evils against my enemies. Their food is bread, and their drink is the tchesert wine, and they have cool water wherewith to refresh (or, bathe) themselves. [Offerings are made to them upon earth. One doth not enter into the place of destruction.]". 

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        Gate 6

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After passing through gate 5, the boat of the sun arrived at Nebt-Aha which was guarded by twelve bearded mummy forms described as the 'gods and goddesses who are in this pylon'. A serpent named Set-em-maat-f, stands on is tail and was also guard. Sa then said to Set-em-maat-f, "Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy doors to KHUTI, that he may send light into the thick darkness, and may make his radiance illumine the hidden habitation". 

At the entrance to the corridor stood a bearded mummied form, Maa-Ab ("Right (or, true) of heart"), and at its exit stood Sheta-Ab a bearded mummied form, ("Hidden of heart"). The corridor was swept by flames. The gods who acclaim the god said, "Come thou to us, O thou who art at the head of the horizon, O great god, who dost open the hidden place. Open thou the holy doors, and unfold the portals of the hidden place".

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Osiris wears the double crown of the South and North, and holds in his right hand the symbol of "life" and in his left a sceptre. Osiris was seated on a chair of state, which was set on the top of a platform with nine steps. On each step stood a god, and the nine gods were described as the "company which is with SAR, i.e., Osiris". On the topmost step is a Balance, in which the actions of the deceased were weighed; the beam of the Balance was supported either by the deceased, or by a stand which was made in the form of a bearded mummy. One pan of the Balance contained a rectangular object, and the other a figure of the bird which was symbolic of evil and wickedness. Anubis was pictured and under the floor of the platform on which Osiris was seated were Osiris' enemies. On the sarcophagus of Tchehra at Paris was a man wielding a hatchet in a threatening manner and standing near the Scales, probably with the view of destroying the deceased if the judgment of Osiris proved adverse to him.

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   Gate 7

After passing through gate 6, the boat of the sun which was still being towed by the 4 gods of Tuat arrived at Pestit which was guarded by nine gods - the "seventh company". The gateway was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Akha-En-Maatt. Sa then said to Akha-En-Maatt, 'Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy doors to KHUTI, that he may send light into the thick darkness and may make his radiance illumine the hidden habitation!

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In front of the divine towers of the boat march: -

1. Twelve bearded gods - the Amennu-Aaiu-Kheru-Shetau, whose hands and arms were bound. They were described as "hidden of hands and arms and possessing hiddenness". The text relating to them read:- "These are they who possess the hiddenness (or, who hold the mystery) of this great god. Verily those who are in the Tuat see him, and the dead see him, who burn in Het-Benben (or, the temple of Ra), and they come forth to the place where is the body of this god. Ra saith unto them:--'Receive ye my forms, and embrace ye your hidden forms (or, mysteries). Ye shall be in Het-Benben, the place where my body is. The hiddenness which is in you is the hiddenness of the Tuat, and cover ye your arms therewith.' And they say unto Ra:--'Let thy soul be in heaven, at the head of the horizon, let thy shadow penetrate the hidden place, and let thy body be to the earth; as for the upper regions of the sky we ascribe Ra thereto . . . . . Fulfil thou thyself, and take thou thy place [with] thy body in the Tuat.' Their food consisteth of offerings of every kind whereby souls become content, and offerings are made unto them upon earth by reason of the sight of the light in the 'Tuat."

2. Eight bearded gods, the Neteru-Heti - "the gods of the temples," and eight gods, the Sennu. The text which referred to them read:- "These are they who are outside Het-Benben, and they see Ra with their eyes, and they enter into his secret (or, hidden) images that which is theirs is apportioned, and the SENNU gods bring it. [And Ra] saith unto them:--'My offerings (or, provisions) are from your offerings, and my nourishment is from your nourishment which is to you, O ye who are in my secret places. I protect my secret things which are in Het-Benben. Hail to you! Your souls live, and their offerings are the offerings of KHUTI.' TUATI saith unto them:--'O ye gods who dwell in the Tuat, who are in the divine [places] of the governor of Ament, to whom what is their due is given upon their ground, who lie down upon their own lands, your own flesh is to you, ye have gathered together your bones, ye have knit together your members, and ye have collected your flesh. There are, moreover, sweet winds to your nostrils, ye have girded on your apparel, and ye have put on your wigs.'

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In the upper register were: -

1. Twelve gods, the Kheru-Metau[H], each of whom hold a stake or weapon forked at one end. They are described as "those who hold the metau weapons". The text relating to these read: - "Ra saith unto them:--'Receive ye your metauh weapons, and take ye them with you. Hail to you, [go against] the serpent fiend MAMU; bail to you, make ye gashes in him when the heads appear from out of him, and turn ye him backwards.' They say unto Ra:--'Our metauh weapons in our hands are for Ra [and against] MAMU, and we will make gashes in the great and evil WORM. O Ra, do away the heads when they come forth from the windings of the serpent KHETI These are the gods who are in the [Boat of Ra], and they repulse Apep in the sky, and they travel through the Tuat. It is their duty to turn back Apep on behalf of Ra in Amentet and the places of the Tuat. And this god allotteth to them their provisions of bread, and their beer is the tchesert drink, and their libations are of cool water, and offerings are made to them upon earth because they repulse the Enemy of Ra in Amentet".

2. The gods Kheru-Amu-Pereru-Teu-Em-Qebu-F, and the monster serpent Seba-Apep, the body of which is held up above the ground by twelve bearded gods, who are described as "those who have food when the heads appear from his folds." Twelve human heads grow out from his body, the first appearing from his head, and the other eleven from his back. The text which relates to them reads: - "These are they who are the adversaries of his two-fold evil, and who overthrow the enemies of Ra, and it is their duty to seize the Seba-Fiend when he maketh heads to come forth from him. [Ra] saith to them: - 'Turn ye back SEBA, make ye to go backwards APEP when the heads appear from out of him, and let him perish.' [Ra] ordereth for him his destruction. 'O heads, ye shall be eaten, ye shall be eaten, ye shall be consumed, when ye come forth from him.' Ra ordereth for them when they come forth that they shall be consumed (or, swallowed up) [in] their folds when he journeyeth to them, and that the heads shall retreat within their folds. The worm Hefau shall be without eyes, and he shall be without his nose, and he shall be without his ears, and he shall exist upon his roarings, and he shall live upon that which he himself uttereth. The food [of these gods] consisteth of the offerings [which are made to them] upon earth".

3. An upright, bearded mummied form called Qan. To the neck of this figure was attached two ropes, which were twisted together symmetrically, and grasped by twelve bearded men with both hands. Each god stood within a loop formed by the two ropes, and had a star before him. The gods were described as "those who hold the rope which cometh forth . . . . . . . .". 

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In the lower register were: -

1. Tuati - a god, standing, and leaning upon a long staff;

2. The serpent Nehep, the long body was made to serve as biers for twelve gods in mummied form; the serpent's body was provided with twenty-four legs of lions, and a mummied god rested over each pair of them. These gods were described as "those who are in the body of Osiris asleep," and "those who are in inactivity";

3. Four gods, each with his arms stretched straight together before him at an acute angle with his body.

4. Four gods;

5. A serpent within a circle filled with water;

6. A god in mummied form;

The text relating to these read: - "The god Tuati saith unto them: - 'Hail, O ye gods who are over the Tuat, ye gods who dwell in this [place] of the governor of Ament, who abide permanently on your places, and who lie down upon your couches, lift up the flesh of your bodies, and gather together your bones, and gird up your members, and bring ye into one place your flesh! There is sweet (or, fresh) air for your nostrils. Loose and take off your funeral swathings, untie and remove your wigs, unclose your eyes and look ye at the light therewith, rise ye up from out of your inert and helpless state, and take possession yourselves of your fields in Sekhet-nebt-hetepu (i.e., Field, lord of offerings). There are fields for you in this Field, and the waters thereof are for you. Let your offering be there, [and] fields from Nebt-hetepu.' Their libations shall be of water. It is the serpent NEHEP who giveth their bodies [and] their souls, and they journey on to Sekhet-Aaru to have dominion over their libations, and to walk over the earth. They count up their flesh, their food is of bread-cakes, and their drink is of tchesert ale, and their libations are of water. Offerings are made unto them upon earth as [unto] the god Sah, who resteth upon his ground".

"These are they who are in the circuit of this pool. There is a serpent living in this pool, and the water of the pool is of fire, and the gods of the earth and the souls of the earth cannot descend thereto by reason of the flames of fire of this serpent. This great god who is the governor of the Tuat liveth in the water of this pool". And Ra, saith unto them:--"Hail to you, O ye gods who guard this holy pool, give ye yourselves to him that is the Governor of Aukert. The water of this pool is Osiris, and this water is Khenti-Tuat. This flame consumeth and destroyeth the souls which dare to approach Osiris, and the awe of this pool cannot be done away, or made an end of, or overcome. As for the gods who keep ward over its waters, their food is bread, and their drink is tchesert ale, and their libations are of water. Offerings are made unto them upon earth as unto TerI in Amentet, lord of (offerings. There are fields for you in this Field, and the waters thereof are for you. Let your offerings be there [and] fields from Nebt-hetepu. Their libations shall be of water. It is the serpent Nehep who giveth their bodies [and] their souls, and they journey into Sekhet-Aaru to have dominion over their libations, and to walk on the earth. They count up their limbs, their food is of bread-cakes, and their drink is of tchesert ale, and their libations are of water. Offerings are made unto them upon earth as unto Sah, who resteth upon his ground.

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    Gate 8

 

After passing through gate 7, the boat of the sun which was still being towed by the 4 gods of Tuat arrived at Bekhkhi which was guarded by The Paut - nine mummified gods - "the company of the nine gods". The gateway was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Set-Hra. Sa then said to Set-Hra, "Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy portal to KHUTI, So that he may illumine the thick darkness, and may send light into the hidden abode".

At the head of the boat being towed was an aged god, who leant on a long staff, and was called "He who dwelleth in Nu". In front of the divine procession was a long tank with four groups, each containing four beings who were represented in the act of performing various evolutions in the water. These were called Herpiu - bathers, Akiu - floaters, Nubiu - swimmers, and Khepau - divers.

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In the upper register were: -

1. Twelve bearded gods, who stood with their arms hanging by their sides, and were described as the "divine sovereign chiefs who give the bread which hath been allotted and green herbs to the souls who are in the Lake of Serser (i.e., blazing fire)";

2. Nine bearded, human-headed and human-handed hawks, which stood with their hands raised in adoration; before each was a loaf of bread, and a few green herbs. These were described as the "souls who are in the Lake of Serser". 

3. A god, who held a sceptre in his right hand, and in his left.

 

The passage which referred to the souls in the Lake of Serser read: - "These are they who are in the Land of Serser; 'they have received their bread, and they have gained the mastery over this Lake, and they praise this great god. Ra saith unto them:--'Eat ye your green herbs, and satisfy ye yourselves with your cakes; let there be fulness to your bellies, and satisfaction to your hearts. Your green herbs are of the Lake of Serser, the Lake which may not be approached. Praise ye me, glorify ye me, for I am the Great One of terror of the Tuat.' They say unto Ra:--'Hail to thee, O thou Great One of the SEKHEMU (i.e., Powers)! Praise is thine, and majesty is thine. The Tuat is thine, and [is subservient] to thy will; it is a hidden place [made] by thee for those who are in its Circles. The height of Heaven is thine, and [is subservient] to thy will; it is a secret place [made] by thee for those who belong thereto. The Earth is for thy dead Body, and the Sky is for thy Soul. O Ra, be thou at peace (or, be content) with that which thou hast made to come into being'. 

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In the lower register were: - 

1. Horus [the Aged], in the form of a bearded man, leaning upon a staff;

2. Twelve bearded beings, who are described as the "burnt enemies of Osiris". The first four had their arms tied behind their back in such a way that the right hand projects at the left side, and the left hand at the right side. The second four had their hands tied together at the elbows, and the upper parts of the arms were at right angles to their shoulders. The third four had their arms tied together at the elbows, and their elbows were on a lower level than their shoulders.

3. A monster speckled serpent, which lay in undulations immediately in front of the enemies of Osiris, and belched fire into the face of their leader; the name of this serpent was Kheti. 

 

In each undulation (wave-motion) stood a bearded god in mummified form. The hieroglyphics written above them described them as "the gods who are above Kheti". 

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     Gate 9

After passing through gate 8, the boat of the sun which was still being towed by the 4 gods of Tuat arrived at Aat-Shefsheft which was guarded by The Paut - nine mummified gods - "the company of the nine gods". At the entrance to the gate proper stands a bearded, mummied form, with his hands folded on his breast, called Anhefta, and at its exit stood a similar form​ called Ermen-ta.

The door was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Ab-Ta. Sa then said to Ab-Ta,  "Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy portal to KHUTI, so that he may illumine the thick darkness, and may send light into the hidden abode".

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The procession which marched in front of the boat consisted of: -

1. Six bearded male figures, standing upright, who held in their hands the ends of a rod, or rope, which was bent in the shape of a bow over their heads. These were described as "those who are over the words of magical power". 

2. Four dog-headed apes, which held a rod bent as already described. These were described as "those who work magic by means of knots for Ra".

3. Four women, who stood upright, and held a bent rod, or rope, over their heads like the four apes and the six male figures. They were described as "those who work magic by means of knots for Ra".

4. Three male figures, each holding a harpoon in his right hand, and a cord in his left. They were called "spearmen".

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Immediately in front of these was a bearded male figure, who had been lying prostrate on his face. He had a small solar disk on his head and the ears of an ass. His name was Aai i.e., the Ass. In his hands he grasped a rope, which passed over his head and along his back, and was held by each of the three spearmen in his left hand. From the knees upwards, his body was raised in a diagonal position suggesting that he had raised himself by means of the rope, or had been pulled into this position by the spearmen. Facing the Ass was the monster serpent Apep, and the crocodile Shesshes, with a tail ending in the head of a serpent.

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In the upper register are the following: -

1. Four gods, who in the place of heads have each a crown of the South, to which is affixed a uraeus (cobra) "...a symbol of sovereignty, royalty, deity and divine authority in ancient Egypt" . The gods are called "gods of the South". They are aided by a bearded male figure "he who is over the front end".

2. Four gods, who in the place of heads have each a crown of the North, to which is affixed a uraeus. The gods are called "gods of the North," and They are aided by a bearded male figure "he who is over the hind part."

3. Between the two groups described above was the hawk-headed sphinx which typified "Horus in the Boat." Above its hindquarters sprung the head and shoulders of a bearded human figure called Ana, and on the head of the hawk and that of Ana was a crown of the South.

Standing on the back of the sphinx was the figure of Horus-Set with characteristic heads, with his arms outstretched, and with each hand laid on the upper part of the crowns of the South. The hawk head of this figure faced the back of the hawk head of the sphinx, and the animal's head, which was characteristic of Set, faced the back of the human head of Ana. Horus was regarded as a form of the Sun-god of the South, and Set as a form of the Sun-god of the North.

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4. The serpent Shemti, which had four heads and necks at each end of its body, and each head and neck were supported on a pair of legs. A male figure called Apu stood and grasped the middle of the body of the serpent with both hands.

5. The serpent Bata, with a bearded head at each end of his body. Each head wore a crown of the South. Above the back of this serpent was another serpent, from each end of the body of which sprung the upper portions of the bodies and heads of four bearded male figures; the first figure of each group had a pair of hands and arms which were raised in adoration, and each figure of the two groups had a pair of legs, which rested on the back of the serpent Bata. A male figure called Abeth stood and grasped the middle of the body of the serpent Tepi with both hands.

6. Two male beings, swinging over their heads a net, wherewith they are going to attack the serpent, or to resist him.

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    Gate 10

After passing through gate 9, the boat of the sun which was still being towed by the 4 gods of Tuat arrived at Tcheserita which was guarded by sixteen uraei (cobras). At the entrance to the gate proper stood a bearded, mummied form called Nemi who held a knife in his hand, and at its exit stood a similar form​ called Kefi.

The door was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Sethu. Sa then said to Sethu, "Open thy gate, unfold thy portal, so that he may illumine the thick darkness, and may send light into the hidden abode".

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The procession in front of the boat of the sun consisted of: - 

1. A bearded male figure called Unti, i.e., the "god of the hour," who held a star in each hand;

2. Four kneeling gods, each with a uraeus over his head. The first was Horus, hawk-headed; the second was Sereq, bearded, and wearing a wig; the third was Abesh, bearded and without a wig; and the fourth was Sekhet, with the head of a lioness.

3. Three bearded beings, the "Star-gods," each held a star in his right hand, which was stretched aloft, and with his left towing a small boat containing the "Face of the Disk."

4. A small boat holding a uraeus, which had the latter part of its body bent upwards; within the curve was the "Face of the Disk."

5. The winged serpent Semi, standing on its tail, with its body in folds.

6. The bearded figure Besi, receiving in his hand the flame which spouted up from the head of a horned animal, which formed the top of a staff, and was transfixed by a knife.

7. The serpent Ankhi, from each side of the neck of which grew a bearded, mummy figure.

8. Four women, each with both hands raised in adoration; they were described as "Criers."

9. Two bows, set end to end, on each of which three uraei rear their heads. Standing over the place where the two ends of the bows met, with a foot on the end of each, was the two-headed figure Horus-Set, with two pairs of hands, one pair on each side of his body, raised in adoration. Horus-Set was called "he of the two heads," and the two bows are "the Crown of the Uraei".

 

The text which referred to the above group read: -

"This great god is towed along by the gods of the 'Tuat, and those who tow Ra along say: - 'We are towing Ra along, we are towing Ra along and Ra followeth [us] into Nut. O have the mastery over thy Face, indeed thou shalt unite thyself to thy Face, O Ra, [by] Maat. Open, O thou Face of Ra, and let the two Eyes of Khuti enter into thee; drive away thou the darkness from Amentet. Let him give light by what he hath sent forth, the light.'"

Of the god with stars it is said: - "He maketh a rising up for Ra (or, he stablisheth Ra), Unti maketh to be light the upper heaven; this god leadeth the hour, which performeth that which belongeth to it to do".

Of the four seated gods it is said: - "The [four] serpents who are in the earth keep ward (over those who are in this picture. They make a rising up for Ra, and they sit upon the great image[s which are] under them, and they pass onwards with them in the following of Ra, together with the hidden images which belong to them".

Of the three gods who hold stars it is said: - "Those who are in this picture sing hymns with their stars, and they grasp firmly the bows of their boat, [and it] entereth into Nut. And this Face of Ra moveth onwards, and saileth over the land, and those who are in the Tuat sing hymns to it, and make Ra to stand up (i.e., establish Ra)".

Of the winged serpent Semi it is said: - "[It maketh a rising up for Ra], and it guideth the well-doing god into the Tuat of the horizon of the East".

Of the god Besi it is said: - "He maketh a rising up for Ra, and he placeth fire on the head and horns (or, [in] his hands is the fire from the head and horns), and the weapon which is in the hand of the Fighter is in the follower of this god".

Of the uraeus with the double male figure it is said: - "It maketh a rising up for Ra. The stablishing of Time which is reckoned in writing by years is with this uraeus, and it maketh it to go with him into the heights of heaven".

Of the "Criers" it is said: - “Those who cry unto Ra say, 'Enter in, O Ra! Hail, come, O Ra! Hail, come, O thou who art born of the Tuat! Come, O offspring of the heights of heaven! Hail, come thou into being, O Ra! 

Of the double bow it is said: - "This is the Mehen serpent of the uraei, which strideth through the Tuat. The two bows are stretched out, and they bear up on themselves him of the Two-Faces (or, Two-Heads, i.e., Horus-Set) in his mystery which [appertaineth] to them. They lead the way for Ra, in the horizon of the east of heaven, and they pass on into the heights of heaven in his train".

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In the upper register were: -

1. The four Antiu gods, each of whom held a knife in his right hand, and a short staff with one end curved and curled in his left;

2. The four Henatiu gods, each having four uraei in the place of a head. They are armed with weapons similar to those of the Antiu gods;

3. The undulating length of the serpent Apep, of whom it is said, "his voice goeth round the Tuat". Attached to the neck of the monster was a very long chain, which rose in an oval curve, and, passed along through the hands of sixteen male figures, it was then grasped and held down by a large hand, from which it again rose in an oval curve, and passed on for some distance descending into the earth immediately in front of Khenti-Amenti. On the first curve of the chain, lying flat on her face, was the goddess Serq. Of the sixteen bearded figures who grasped the chain with both hands, four were called Setefiu, and faced to the left. The twelve were described as the "Tchatiu gods, strong of arm". The right hand which grasped and pulled down the chain was called "The Hidden Body". Lengthwise on the second curve of the great chain leant the upper portions of the figures of five gods, each of whom grasped the chain with his right hand, and held in his left a sceptre and the end of a chain which fettered a serpent in coils. The name of the first serpent was Uamemti, but of the remaining four no names were given. The five gods appeared to grow out of the great chain, and were called Seb, Mest, HapiI, Tuamutef, and Qebhsennuf. At the end of this section of the scene stood the bearded mummified figure of Khenti-Amenti, wearing the White Crown and the menat, and holding the sceptre in his two hands.

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Of the eight gods (i.e., the Antiu and Henatiu) it was said: - "Those who are in this picture rise up (or, stand) for Ra, and Ra riseth and cometh forth for them, [and they say], 'Rise, Ra, be strong, Khuti; verily we will overthrow Apep in his fetters. Approach not thou, O Ra, towards thine enemy, and thine enemy shall not approach thee; may thy holy attributes come into being within the serpent. The serpent Apep is stabbed with his knives, and gashes are inflicted on him. Ra shall stand up in the hour wherein he is content (or, the hour of peace), and the great god shall pass on in strength when his chain (i.e., Apep's) is fixed'".

"The reptile (literally, worm) who is in this picture breaketh asunder the fetters, and the boat of this great god beginneth [to move] towards the region of Apep; this great god travelleth on after he (i.e., Apep) hath been put in restraint by means of his 'fetters".

 

Of the four Setefiu gods it was said: - "Those who are in this picture grasp the fetters of the being of two-fold evil, and they say to Ra, 'Come forward, Ra, pass onwards, Khuti. Verily fetters have been laid upon Neha-Hra, and Apep is in his bonds'".

 

Of the twelve other gods who grasped the chain it was said: - "Those who are in this picture [act] as warders of the sons of the helpless one, and they keep guard (over the deadly chain which is in 'The Hidden Hand’, for the dead bodies are placed with the things [which belong to them] in the circuit of the battlements of Khenti-Amenti. And these gods say, 'Let darkness be upon thy face, O Uamemti, and ye shall be destroyed, O ye sons of the helpless one, by The Hidden Hand, which shall cause evils [to come upon you] by the deadly chain which is in it. Seb keepeth ward over your fetters, and the sons of the fetters (i.e., Mest, Hapi, Tuamutef, and Qebhsennuf) put upon you the deadly chain. Keep ye [your] ward under the reckoning of Khenti-Amenti'".

Of the children of Horus it is said: - "Those who are in this picture make heavy the fetters of the sons of the helpless one, and the boat of the Well-doing God travelleth on its way".

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In the lower register were: -

1. Twelve male beings, each of whom carried a paddle; they are called "gods who never diminish";

2. Twelve female beings, each of whom grasps a rope with both hands; above the head of each is a star. They were called the "hours who tow alone, [the boat of Ra]";

3. The god Banti, with the head of a cynocephalus ape, holding a sceptre;

4. The god Seshsha, man-headed, with a star above him, holding a sceptre;

5. The god Ka-Amenti, bull-headed, and holding a sceptre;

6. The god Renen-Sbau, man-headed, with a star above him, holding a sceptre;

7. A monkey, with a star over his head, standing on a bracket; he was called the "god of Rethenu" (Syria);

8. A bracket, whereon rests the Utchat;

9. A god called Her-Nest-F, holding a sceptre.

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Of the twelve gods (the Akhemu Seku) it is said: -

"Those who are in this picture make a rising up for Ra, and they take their paddles in this Circle of Unti. They come into being of their own accord at the seasons when Ra is born in Nut; they come into being for the births of Ra, and they make their appearance in Nu along with him. It is they who transport this great god after he hath taken his place in the horizon of the East of heaven. Ra saith unto them: - 'Take ye your paddles and unite ye yourselves to your stars. Your coming into being taketh place when [I] come into being, and your births take place when my births take place. O ye beings who transport me, ye shall not suffer diminution, O ye gods Akhemu Seku'".

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Of the twelve goddesses of the hours it is said: -

"Those who are in this scene take hold of the rope of the boat of Ra to tow him along into the sky. It is they who tow Ra along, and guide him along the roads into the sky, and behold, they are the goddesses who draw along the great god in the Tuat. Ra saith unto them: - 'Take ye the rope, set ye yourselves in position, and pull ye me, O my followers, into the height of heaven, and lead ye me along the ways. My births make you to be born, and behold, my coming into being maketh you to come into being. O stablish ye the periods of time and years for him who is among you'".

1. "The god who is in this picture adjureth the pylons to open to Ra, and he goeth on his way by his side".

2. "The god who is in this picture crieth out to the stars concerning the births of this great god, and he goeth on his way with them".

3. "The god who is in this picture crieth to the gods of the Boat of Ra, and he goeth on his way with him".

4. "The god who is in this picture setteth the stars in their places (literally, towns), and he goeth on his way with the great god".

The above four paragraphs must refer to the four gods Banti, Seshsha, Ka-Ament, and Renen-Sbau, and therefore the god of Rethenu, the Utchat, and the god Her-Nest-F remain without descriptions. From the tomb of Rameses VI. M. Lefébure adds the two following paragraphs which concern the Utchat and Her-Nest-F.

"This is the Eye of Ra, which the god uniteth to himself, and it rejoiceth in its place in the boat. This is he who openeth the door of this Circle; he remaineth in his position, and doth not go on his way with Ra".

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    ​​​Gate 11

After passing through gate 10, the boat of the sun which was still being towed by the 4 gods of Tuat arrived at Shetat-Besu. At the entrance to the gate proper stood a bearded, mummied form called Metes, and at its exit stood a similar form​ called Shetau. In the space which was usually guarded by a number of gods stood two sceptres, each of which was surmounted by a White Crown; the one on the right was the symbol of Osiris, (SAR), and the other of Horus. Between the sceptres was a line of text which read:- "They say to Ra, '[Come] in peace! [Come] in peace! [Come] in peace! [Come] in peace! O thou whose transformations are manifold, thy soul is in heaven, thy body is in the earth. It is thine own command, O great one". The door was guarded by a serpent on his tail named Am-Netu-F. Sa then said to Am-Netu-F, 'Open thy gate to Ra, unfold thy portal to KHUTI, so that he may illumine the thick darkness, and may send light into the hidden abode'. 

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The procession in front of the boat of the sun consisted of: -

1. A company of nine gods, each holding a huge knife in his right hand, and a sceptre in his left. The first four had jackal heads, and the last five heads of bearded men. These nine beings represent the "company of the gods who slay Apep";

2. The serpent Apep, fettered by five chains which enter the ground; the fetters are further strengthened by small chains, which are linked to the larger ones, and are fastened to the ground by means of pegs with a hook at the top. In an earlier picture we have saw Apep fettered by Seb, Mest, Hapi, Tuamutef, and Qebhsennuf, who were represented by five gods, but here the figures of the gods are wanting, and it is only the legend "Children of Horus," that tells us the chains represent the gods;

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3. Four Apes, each holding up a huge hand and wrist;

4. The goddess of Upper Egypt, wearing the White Crown, and styled Amenti;

5. The goddess of Lower Egypt, wearing the Red Crown, and called Herit;

6. The bearded god Sebekhti who held the emblem of "life" in his right hand, and a sceptre in his left.​