Egypt - Book of the Dead

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text that played a crucial role in the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Known as the "Book of Coming Forth by Day" (in Egyptian: "Prt m Hrw"), it is a compilation of spells, prayers, and illustrations designed to guide the deceased through the perilous journey of the afterlife and ensure their successful passage to the realm of Osiris.

A well-preserved and richly illustrated version of the Book of the Dead, created for a scribe named Ani during the New Kingdom. Now housed in the British Museum.

Spells for Protection and Guidance: The book contains numerous spells designed to protect the deceased from various threats they might encounter in the underworld (known as the Duat). These spells could help them overcome obstacles, defeat hostile entities, and ensure their safe passage.  

The Weighing of the Heart: One of the most famous scenes from the Book of the Dead is the "Weighing of the Heart." In this ritual, the deceased's heart is weighed against the feather of Maat (the goddess of truth and justice). If the heart is lighter than the feather, the deceased is allowed to pass into the afterlife. If not, they are devoured by Ammit, a fearsome creature with the head of a crocodile, the forequarters of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus.  

Declarations of Innocence: The deceased had to recite a series of "negative confessions" in which they declared their innocence of various sins. This was meant to demonstrate their worthiness to enter the afterlife.  

Hymns and Prayers: The book also includes hymns and prayers to various gods, seeking their favor and assistance in the afterlife journey.  

Transformations: Some spells were meant to enable the deceased to transform into various creatures or beings, granting them powers or abilities needed in the underworld.