Egyptian Dreams

[ellehaym]

Hi!

I just need help for my assignment. I am totally new to Egyptian literature.

I'd like to ask for a guide in writing a literary analysis. It's about a comparison between the pyramid texts and the coffin texts.

Thanks!

[Styler78]

My understanding is that Coffin Texts are the natural progression of the Pyramid Texts. During the First Intermediate Period, there was much unrest and Egypt became rather unruly. It has been said (see my source below) that during this time the pyramids were entered and the Pyramid texts seen for the first time by a large audience. Before this they would have been private and only the Pharaoh would have these texts.

Seeing these magical spells and guides to the afterlife, it may have been that more and more people, maybe nobles (or those with money) thought that they want similar. They did not have the great tombs or pyramids, so the texts were copied in part and written on the inside of coffins. I know of a coffin at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery) which shows a good example of these coffin Texts.

Later on, more and more people wanted the same and (possibly) someone thought that it could be a good Money- Maker to instead write down the hundreds of spells, etc on Papyrus . The reason for this is that rather than having SOME of the texts in a coffin, you could have them ALL written down on a Papyrus Scroll and buried with you (you can only have a certain amount of the Texts in a coffin due to the limited space given) - but at a cost.. Now for the first time we have the complete Book of the Dead, available to all...........(if you have enough money)

My source for this is mainly Bob Brier, in his History of Ancient Egypt.

You may want to wait for someone who is more knowledgeable to give you a better definition as i am sure that there are better resources out there, but this is my understanding...Thanks

I would assume that "comparisons" will be drawn to the location of the texts and the periods when these were used and by whom. But as i am new to Egypt i would urge you to wait for one of those who have studied the area of texts to give their more complete and accurate knowledge and comparisons...
_________________
Beloved of Hathor, Chief of Thebes

[Styler78]

...also the pyramid texts concentrate on the celestial realm and the Coffin texts emphasize the subterranean elements of the afterlife ruled by Osiris, in a place called the Duat (that which is in the Netherworld).

See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_Texts

Yes, i know- Wiki!!

See also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papyrus_of_Ani
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unas#The_Pyramid_Texts
http://www.touregypt.net/ (use their search bar for more info on coffin texts, pyramid texts etc.

Should be a good start....

I hope this helps in some way....

_________________
Beloved of Hathor, Chief of Thebes

[ellehaym]

Thank you very much!

[ellehaym]

Thank you very much!

[Styler78]

Its feels good to help, but do consider as many sources as possible, so that you get a good feel for the different perspectives out there . Also as i said before you can get a better, more in depth feel to the texts discussed in your post (other than my own understanding). I am even happy to provide more information should it be necessary

You can find a lot of information very easily on your chosen subjects.

I hope that this may even broaden your interest in Egyptian literature as it really is fascinating. Enjoy your studies....


_________________
Beloved of Hathor, Chief of Thebes