The beginning of the spells for going forth into the day. Interpretation of the Book of the Dead chapter 1
Abstract
Chapter (or Spell) 1 represents an introduction to the Book of the Dead, and - similarly to the Book of the Dead as a whole - it focuses on the main topic of the textual corpus: on going forth into the day (prt m hrw), i.e. on leaving the Underworld and rising resurrected at the eastern horizon of the sky. To ensure that the person successfully passes to the blessed Afterlife, the spell both identifies him/her ritually with Osiris and serves as proof of his/her knowledge of Osirian cultic activities and ceremonies.
It is probable, but still not certain, that the text of the spell was read or ritually performed during the burial. The following article presents an interpretation of the first spell of the Book of the Dead, of its context, content and illustrations, and it also represents a preview of a prepared monograph.