Reading Qs 3

Important Egyptian Gods for Today: Re, Atum (sun at dawn), Osiris, Seth, Thoth, Horus

Allen – Introduction to the Pyramid Texts

1.    During roughly what time period were the Pyramid Texts used, and who got to use them? (pages 1, 4)
2.    The Pyramid Texts are divided into two major types, ritual spells and personal spells. How were the ritual spells started up and maintained? What kinds of things were these ritual spells meant to do? (pages 6-7)
3.    How were the personal spells enacted? What kinds of things were they meant to do? (page 7)
4.    In the Egyptian worldview, what are the three basic parts of a human being? (pages 7-8)
5.    What journey did a ba have to make every night? (pages 8-9)
6.    How did the Egyptians’ beliefs about this journey impact their tomb design? (pages 10-13)

Allen – The Pyramid Texts of Unis (pages 17-41)

The earliest Pyramid Texts we still have are from the pyramid of Pharoah Unis.
1.    Considering what you just learned about the types of spells in the Pyramid Texts and their goals, what do you think is the goal of the spells on pages 21-30?
2.    What claims does the deceased make in Recitation 210 on page 33?
3.    Where is Unis going to go now? (page 34)
4.    What do you think is the purpose of the commendation spells on pages 35-41?