The Egyptian universe is divided into two parts, the upper and lower regions.

Egyptspace universe and the upper region

Upper region consists of country (Geb), atmosphere (Shu) a sky (Nut). Nut and Geb are lovers, but Shu has to hold them apart so that other gods can have the freedom to move with the universe.

The most important of these heavenly children is Ra, god of the sunwhich sails across the sky during the day and into the underworld at night. While the celestial bodies represent the divine order of the universe, the underworld represents pure chaos. The "duat," as it is known, is a dark chasm that benefits snakes, monsters, and evil spirits.

Egyptian universe and the lower region

Bottom area represents underworld.

In order to bring order to this chaos, several gods have created their homes in the underworld to help guide the dead through treacherous terrain. It is Ra, the sun god, who helps bring balance to the universe with the help of his fellow man. During the day he sails across the "river of sky" and rests on a boat known as Mandjet (day boat). During the evening, he enters the underworld, and the ship receives the name Mesketet (ship of millions).

When he descends to the underworld, Ra's body perishes and brings darkness to the upper part of the Earth. A crew of smaller deities guard his body and steer the ship through a dangerous underworld, hoping to bring him back to life.

the path of salvation (illustration)

The first stop of the ship is in Abydos, where the souls of countless people are on board. They will be judged by Osiris, who will determine their place in the afterlife. The Mesketet goes on a journey to the underworld, where he will go through twelve gates, and each chamber offers a challenge that must be overcome before Ra can re-emerge.

The way to the underworld

Hour 1: At the "Ra Riverbed", the path opener opens the first gate and allows Ra access to the underworld. The ship sails past the six snakes held in the bay by the goddess Ba.

Hour 2: It is in "Ur Nes", where the light of Ra nourishes the spirit of corn so that it can flourish in the upper world and bring health and abundance to the people.

Hour 3: In the "kingdom of Osiris", the hearts of mortals are judged by the weight of their feathers. If the weight of her sins causes the scales to sink to the bottom, they are eaten by Amemt, the devourer of souls.

Hour 4: "Living One of Forms" is a grim desert kingdom, controlled by Sokar, a mysterious lord. The boat floats silently over the sand to prevent the hydration that protects the empire.

Hour 5: The Ra River goes into the valley known as "Hidden". The way out is protected by two sphinxes, whose riddles must be resolved before the boat can move on. It's Sokar, the god of the dead, who helps them resolve the secrets of the protectors.

Hour 6: In the "Abyss of Waters", the boat plunges into a large river. A huge lion roams the banks and is joined by Kheper, the god of resurrection, who later helps revive Ra's body.

Hour 7: "The Secret Cave" is a dangerous area, because there is Apep, ruler of confusion. The big snake is trying to swallow the ship, but Isis, the goddess of spells, uses its powers to drive the beast back into the abyss.

Hour 8: "The Sarcophagus of the Gods" is the place of rest of past deities. When the boat Ra rocks around, they shout and salute the god of the sun, for the time of his rebellion is coming.

Hour 9: When the ship enters the "Parade of Paintings", the river becomes wild and untamed. A twelve-member group of gods helps drive the ship away from the snakes spewing fire back to safer shores.

Hour 10: Now the ship will arrive at "Lofty of Banks". A group of divine warriors protect Ra when a large hawk, known as the "Leader of Heaven," leads them to the light. Khepera joins Ra, in preparation for his resurrection.

Hour 11: The "mouth of the cave" is the land of life and death. Those mortals convicted of sins at three o'clock are thrown into a pit, guarded by the goddess of fire until they perish. Shedu, like a winged snake, brings with it the promise of a new day.

Hour 12: "The Birth Shines Forth" is the final chamber where Khepera resurrects the great King Ra. His awakening slips through the mouth of a great serpent known as the "Life of the Gods."

Ra is reborn, and the beauty of the morning sun causes all people to wake up as their light returns to the upper region of Egypt.