Cheating Death: A Journey Through Ancient Egyptian Spells and Rituals
Date: Saturday 7th September 2024 at 2.00 pm
By
Dr Ken Griffin
Cost: Free for Members and £4 Visitors
Venue: Oakwood Centre Woodley In-Person only. No advance booking required
For millennia, the ancient Egyptians grappled with the inevitability of death. Their elaborate funerary practices, including spells and rituals, were not merely displays of mourning, but a determined effort to conquer mortality. This lecture will embark on a captivating exploration of these practices, delving into the spells documented in the Book of the Dead and other funerary texts. We will examine the intricate rituals performed to ensure safe passage into the afterlife, navigate the dangers of the underworld, and achieve eternal union with the gods. By deciphering these spells and rituals, we gain a profound understanding of the ancient Egyptian worldview, their deep fear of death, and their unwavering hope for a life beyond.
Biography
Dr Ken Griffin is the Curator of the Egypt Centre, Swansea University. Prior to this, he was the Collections Access Manager at the museum. His association with the Egypt Centre first began in 2000 as a volunteer. Over the past two decades, he has been researching the collection, including publishing a number of the objects. Ken is a former lecturer in Egyptology and the coordinating tutor of Egyptology with the Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE) at Swansea University. He has visited Egypt on over 60 occasions and, since 2010, has participated in fieldwork in Egypt and Sudan.
