Reading Notes: Ancient Egypt, Part B

This part of the Ancient Egyptian readings made me realize just how different that mythology is from other cultures. For example, as I was reading through The Two Brothers, I was intrigued to find out what would happen after the pharaoh had the cedar tree cut down, killing Bata. I was unsure as to why her wife would ask the pharaoh to do that, but as I followed Anpu's journey, I remembered the idea of resurrecting him after finding his heart. What I was not aware of, however, was that Bata could be resurrected several times. That is definitely a unique aspect of Egyptian mythology that I want to keep in my story. I also really enjoyed watching the relationship of the brothers develop after being torn apart by a woman. The idea of forgiveness between the two in order to save the relationship they have is a theme you can see in all types of fruitful relationships, whether real or on paper.

A depiction of brothers Bata and Anpu facing off over the Canal of Ra.

Reading Notes: Ancient Egypt, Part A

Story source: Egyptian Myth and Legend by Donald Mackenzie (1907).

Reading the first part of the Ancient Egypt, I was shocked in particular with the story of Osiris. I had learned in my past education that Osiris was the Egyptian god of the underworld, but I had not heard the story of his death before. It was interesting to learn about the good deeds he did for his people, and it reminded me to some extent of the kindness Jesus showed in some of the readings I explored from the Gospel of Mark unit. I also thought the manner in which he died, while original, was a little unorthodox. After all, his brother Set is a man of warfare like the story says, yet the plan for him and his conspirators is to trap Osiris in a coffin. I think I could definitely find a twist to that ending where Osiris is killed in a battle or doesn't die at all.

A painting of the god Osiris from the tomb of Nefertari.