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🪕world literature i review

Coffin Texts

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Coffin texts are a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary spells and inscriptions found primarily on the inside surfaces of coffins dating from the First Intermediate Period to the Middle Kingdom (c. 2100-1600 BCE). These texts served as a guide for the deceased in the afterlife, offering protection and instructions for navigating the challenges they would face in the realm of the dead. They reflect key beliefs in Egyptian mythology regarding death, resurrection, and the journey of the soul.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Coffin texts emerged during a time when access to funerary knowledge was expanding beyond royalty to include more individuals, allowing a broader range of people to participate in afterlife beliefs.
  2. The spells within coffin texts are organized into sections that cover various aspects of the afterlife, including resurrection, protection from demons, and provisions for sustenance.
  3. Coffin texts were written in hieratic script, a simplified form of hieroglyphs, which made them more accessible than previous funerary texts primarily reserved for elite burials.
  4. Some coffin texts feature illustrations and vignettes that visually depict the journey of the deceased through the afterlife, complementing the written spells.
  5. Coffin texts laid the groundwork for later funerary literature, influencing the development of the Book of the Dead, which became more popular in later periods.

Review Questions

  • How do coffin texts reflect key beliefs in ancient Egyptian mythology regarding death and the afterlife?
    • Coffin texts embody essential beliefs about death in ancient Egyptian mythology by providing a framework for understanding the afterlife journey. They include spells that offer protection against dangers and guidance for achieving resurrection, reflecting a deep-seated belief in life after death. The references to gods like Osiris illustrate the importance of divine assistance in navigating challenges faced by the deceased.
  • Analyze how coffin texts differ from earlier funerary texts in terms of accessibility and content.
    • Coffin texts marked a shift from earlier funerary texts, which were largely exclusive to royalty or elite members of society. The transition to coffin texts allowed a broader demographic to access sacred knowledge about the afterlife. In terms of content, coffin texts offered practical spells covering various afterlife scenarios rather than focusing solely on royal rituals, making them relevant for ordinary individuals seeking security in death.
  • Evaluate the significance of coffin texts in shaping later funerary practices and literature in ancient Egypt.
    • Coffin texts played a crucial role in shaping later funerary practices and literature, particularly influencing the development of the Book of the Dead. By expanding access to funerary knowledge, they democratized beliefs about the afterlife and encouraged more inclusive participation in burial rituals. This evolution ultimately led to richer and more diverse expressions of belief regarding death and resurrection in subsequent Egyptian literature.