The Egyptian Duat—Realm of the Gods and the Dead
Duat, in ancient Egyptian mythology, is a fascinating and intricate concept that transcends the simple idea of an underworld. It was the realm where the dead journeyed, but it was more than just a final destination; it was part of a complex belief system surrounding death, the afterlife, and the cosmic order. Today, we will discover the real history behind the setting of my YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt.
Understanding Duat
Duat (also known as Tuat, Tuaut, Akert, Amenthes, Amenti, or Neter-khertet) was not just a place but a journey. It's often represented as a star within a circle in hieroglyphs, symbolizing its celestial and mystical nature. The Egyptians viewed the afterlife as a continuation of one's existence, not an end. Death was seen as a transition to another phase of eternal life, making the concept of "death" in ancient Egypt very different from the contemporary understanding.
Gods and Geography of Duat
Duat was home to various deities, including Osiris, the lord of the underworld, Anubis, Thoth, Horus, Hathor, and Maat, who played roles in guiding and judging the souls of the deceased. The geography of Duat mirrored the Egyptian world, with rivers, islands, fields, and lakes. However, it also contained fantastic elements like lakes of fire, walls of iron, and trees of turquoise, as described in ancient texts like the Book of Two Ways, a Coffin Text that provides a map-like image of the Duat.
The Journey Through Duat
The journey through the Duat was central to the deceased's transformation. It was believed that the sun god Ra traveled through the Duat each night, battling the forces of chaos, represented by Apep, to rise anew each morning. This journey symbolized rebirth and the triumph of order over chaos. The dead, upon entering the Duat, would undergo a series of trials and challenges, ultimately leading to judgment by Osiris. The judgment process was complex but it boils down to the need to pass Maat’s scale. On one side of the scale, the mortal’s heart would be placed and weighed against the feather of Maat, the goddess of justice. Successful passage through these trials led to the Field of Reeds, a paradise where everything lost in death was restored.
Cultural Significance and Beliefs
The beliefs about the Duat were deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and religion. These beliefs influenced funeral practices, tomb construction, and the art and literature of ancient Egypt. For instance, the west bank of the Nile, where the sun set, was associated with the dead and burial practices, symbolizing the entrance to the Duat.
A notable literary work reflecting these beliefs is "Discourse Between a Man and his Ba" from the Middle Kingdom period (2040-1782 BCE). This dialogue between a man and his soul exemplifies the ancient Egyptians' view of life and the afterlife, highlighting the struggle between despair and the search for joy and meaning in life. It is also regarded as the oldest literary text that deals with the concept of depression.
Duat in Treasures of Egypt
Light World-Building Spoilers Ahead!
In the world of "Treasures of Egypt," the mythical Duat takes on a unique role. This mystical realm is where the protagonists venture in their quest to reach Set's prison, located in a fictionalized version of Abydos. A twist in the story is that Abydos, a real Egyptian city, is depicted as being cursed by Isis and transported to Duat to serve as Set's prison.
Duat, in this narrative, is a world unto itself, filled with various locations that mix historical authenticity with creative reimagining. Readers will encounter the Field of Reeds and the Scarlet Desert, alongside the Divine Nile and Byblos of the Heaven Pyramid. These settings are either lifted directly from historical Egyptian texts or are reinterpretations of historical sites and concepts.
The novel introduces a unique (but not really) method of travel within this vast underworld—the Gates. These magical portals, formed from Black Mist, allow passage between different domains of Duat. However, they can only be activated using Anubis's Soul magic. This adds a layer of complexity to the journey, as accessing and properly using these Gates is a challenging task, even for those familiar with the required magic.
Huat is also mentioned in the novel as the realm of the living. That term is my invention and doesn’t have anything to do with Egyptian mythology. It was mainly a way for me to streamline the information by having Huat and Duat act as opposites in the narrative.
Conclusion
The Egyptian Duat was a multi-faceted realm interwoven with the fabric of ancient Egyptian religion, culture, and understanding of the cosmos. It represented the journey of the soul, the continuity of life after death, and the eternal cycle of rebirth. The Duat, with its gods, geography, and significance, remains a captivating aspect of ancient Egyptian mythology, offering insights into their profound and complex worldview.
Remember to cast the spell of regular updates to be the first to know about new posts, novels, and get many behind-the-scenes exclusives. If you would like to visit Duat in the realm of fiction, consider checking out my YA fantasy novel “Treasures of Egypt: the Spear & the Scythe.”
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