Summary

Thoth, the God of the Moon and Writing, welcomed Seti I to the afterlife by bestowing the breath of life with an ankh, acknowledging his significant contributions to restoring harmony and order in Egyptian society.

Abstract

In ancient Egyptian belief, Thoth, the deity of writing and the moon, played a pivotal role in the afterlife of Pharaoh Seti I by reviving his spirit with the ankh, a symbol of life. This act was in recognition of Seti I's achievements in revitalizing the traditional polytheistic religion and bringing unity to the nation after a period of turmoil initiated by Akhenaten's monotheistic reforms. Seti I's reverence for the gods and his dedication to spiritual and social restoration, including the construction of temples and the encouragement of daily prayer, secured his esteemed position in the afterlife. The article emphasizes the importance of balance, gratitude, and the development of the senses in Egyptian culture, suggesting that Seti I's earthly deeds were a reflection of these values and were rewarded accordingly in the afterlife.

Opinions

The article suggests that Seti I was a particularly honorable pharaoh, as evidenced by the direct involvement of Thoth in his transition to the afterlife.
It is conveyed that the ancient Egyptians valued a harmonious existence, integrating the mind, body, soul, and spirit, and that Seti I embodied these principles.
The text implies that Akhenaten's introduction of monotheism was disruptive to the social order, and Seti I's return to the old gods was a correction that restored stability.
The author seems to believe that the ankh symbolizes not just life, but also the righteous path one should follow, as exemplified by Set

Why did Thoth, God of the Moon and Writing Welcome Seti I to the Afterlife?

The God breathed life to the pharaoh by placing an ankh close to his nose

Ancient Egyptians believed that our life on earth is just a part of our eternal journey. Everything we do has consequences therefore one should lead a balanced life free from excess.

The unity of the mind, body, soul and spirit was of utmost importance. Ancient Egyptians believed that inner peace and clairvoyance could be achieved by developing the five basic senses.

According to them, one should be prepare for the afterlife and be guided through it. We will show why Seti was deemed so honourable the Moon God became his guide.

Thoth, the inventor of writing and the wisest man in ancient Egypt created a hieroglyph symbol that represented the word life.

The ankh became the symbol of life itself and was made as an object often carried by ancient Egyptian Gods. The population used to possess at least one in their houses.

It was very important to nourish the mind, rejoice and show gratitude every single day.

“Soul to heaven, body to earth” (Book of The Dead) was the mantra in Ancient Egypt.

When Akhenaten rose to power, he introduced the first monotheist religion which brought chaos and social disorder in the society. Seti who succeeded him re-establish the strength of the old gods by building temples honouring them.

Even before Seti became pharaoh, the Gods already knew he was going to be a wise ruler thus keeping a special place for him in the afterlife.

When Seti was a child, his father Ramses I brought him to Abydon to pay his respect to Osiris, God of the Underworld. His wife Isis and son Horus the Sky God welcomed Ramses I while Osiris focused on Seti.

He told him: “My chosen son of my body, lord of two lands. My heart is happy and content because you have acted. You are my son and protector. As long as the sun exists, your name will exist. As long as the sky exists the deed will exist”.

Ramses I raised Seti to respect his elders and be religious. When he became pharaoh, Egyptians were happy that spiritual order had been restored as Seti built temples to honour Osiris, Isis, Horus and Amun-Ra. He also encouraged the population to pray every single day.

Thoth who recorded the verdict on the deceased in the hall of Ma’at, decided to personally give the breath of life to Seti when his time on earth came to an end.

During the ceremony, Thoth was dressed as a priest and held the wands of Upper and Lower Egypt to evoke the unity Seti brought to the society. The latter was dressed as Osiris.

Thoth hailed Seti as the pharaoh who brought back order and harmony in the society and raised who was to become one of the most important ruler ancient Egypt has ever seen: Ramses II.

To conclude, this event shows that our good deeds will be rewarded in the afterlife and having an ankh may be used as a reminder to always stay on the right path.

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