Duat

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This article is about the Egyptian underworld. For the evergreen tree, see Jambul. For the aviation weather service, see DUATS.
A section of the Egyptian Book of the Dead written on papyrus showing the Weighing of the Heart in Duat where Anubis can be seen on the far right, the scales are shown with the feather balance, and Ammit awaits hearts that she must devour - the presence of Osiris at the gateway to the paradise of Aaru dates the papyrus to a late tradition of the myth
A section of the Egyptian Book of the Dead written on papyrus showing the Weighing of the Heart in Duat where Anubis can be seen on the far right, the scales are shown with the feather balance, and Ammit awaits hearts that she must devour - the presence of Osiris at the gateway to the paradise of Aaru dates the papyrus to a late tradition of the myth

In Egyptian mythology, Duat (or Tuat) (also called Akert, Amenthes, or Neter-khertet) is the underworld.

This was the region through which the sun god Ra traveled from west to east during the night, and where he battled Apep.

It also was the place where people's souls went after death—for judgment. The structure of Duat, and the dangers faced there by dead souls, are detailed in texts such as the Book of Gates and the Book of the Dead.

The most famous scene from the discussions of Duat is the Weighing of the Heart, in which the dead were judged by Anubis, using a feather, representing Ma'at, the goddess of Truth and Justice. She was responsible for maintaining order in the universe after having eliminated the emptiness of chaos at the beginning of creation.

The heart was thought to be the location of the soul by the ancient Egyptians. The hearts of souls which were out of balance because of sin, any hearts heavier or lighter than the feather of Ma'at, were rejected and eaten by the goddess Ammit (also known as the Devourer of Souls). Those souls that would be allowed to travel toward the paradise of Aaru had to have hearts that weighed exactly the same as Ma'at's feather.


[edit] External links

  • Egypt Legends - Apophis in the Duat The realm of the Duat is described in the Egyptian Book of Gates which follows the sun on its journey through the hours of the night. The Duat was located beneath the earth which is also where Osiris presided over the dead. It was believed that the sun on its journey through the Duat, brought light and revitlization to the deceased, including Osiris, and with whom they were to arise in the morning.
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