TERMS REFERRING TO DISTANCING IN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGIOUS TEXTS

Abstract

Funereal journeys to the holy cities and locations, especially "Abydos," were known to be practiced by the Ancient Egyptians. The Ancient Egyptians also engaged in other visits for the deceased to some holy cities to perform religious rites before being buried in their tombs and cemeteries. Distancing involved keeping storms and clouds away from the deceased to prepare glory and jubilation for them in the Hereafter and keeping away the harm of enemies and some of the gods like the god "Seth". Recent studies that have dealt with the importance of funereal journeys and travelling have not referenced the concept of Distancing and the terms referring to it in ancient Egyptian religious texts. The terms indicating Distancing appeared in the Ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts, representing various meanings and different symbolic references where they refer to bringing 'far products' (products from distant places) related to Re. The terms referring to Distancing were also used to explain the physical features of the king, who was described as having far eyesight (powerful vision). In addition, the king was also described as having a wide footstep (very far). In the Coffin Texts, Distancing was considered a means of weakness being avoided by the deceased.