The Field of Reeds

To the ancient Egyptians, the end of life was merely the beginning of a perilous journey through the Duat, the realm of the dead. Guided by the jackal-headed god Anubis, the soul of the deceased navigated past terrifying demons and through iron gates until they reached the Hall of Two Truths. Here, in the presence of Osiris, the king of the underworld, the ultimate judgment occurred. The heart of the deceased was placed on a golden scale, weighed against the white feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and cosmic order. If the heart was heavy with sin, it was devoured by the monster Ammit, and the soul ceased to exist. But if the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was declared 'true of voice.' The justified spirit was then led into the Field of Reeds, or Aaru. This was no abstract heaven, but a perfected reflection of Egypt—a land of eternal harvests, shimmering waters, and cool breezes under a golden sun. Here, there was no pain or loss; the deceased lived forever in their home, reunited with ancestors and gods, tending to lush fields that yielded endless abundance in the presence of Osiris.

“Only those whose hearts weigh no more than a feather may walk the eternal banks of the Field of Reeds.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Field of Reeds?

The story teaches that one's actions in life determine their eternal fate. By following the principles of Ma'at—truth, balance, and order—one earns the right to a peaceful and joyous afterlife.

What is the Field of Reeds in Egyptian mythology?

The Field of Reeds, or Aaru, is the ancient Egyptian vision of paradise. it was a reflection of the Nile Delta where the justified dead lived forever in a land of plenty.

Who judges the souls of the dead?

Osiris, the lord of the underworld, presides over the judgment, while Anubis weighs the heart and Thoth records the results. Forty-two divine judges also question the soul.

What happens during the weighing of the heart?

A person's heart is weighed against the feather of Ma'at. If the heart is light, the person enters paradise; if it is heavy with bad deeds, it is destroyed.

Who is the monster Ammit?

Ammit, known as the 'Devourer of the Dead,' is a creature with the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippo who consumes heavy hearts.

How did Egyptians prepare for the Field of Reeds?

They lived virtuous lives and used the Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and directions, to navigate the dangers of the underworld and successfully pass the judgment.