Chapter 14

Back to Eater of Souls Describe the protection ceremony.

In the process of the protection ceremony in Eater of Souls and likely in Ancient Egyptian culture, the Egyptians follow a detailed procedure to ensure safety of a particular person who needs protection. In Egyptian culture, evil spirits impose tremendous fear. Initially, priestesses dance in plied sistrums and ivory clappers to ward off evil spirits with the noise. Occasionally, the wife of a pharaoh will join in the festivities to ensure the presence of gods. Afterwards, the victim of fear kneels with gold cords in hand and ties knots in them while the High Priest of Amun recites spells. They do this part of the ritual to provide a barrier which the demon, Eater of Souls, cannot pass. Shortly thereafter, for the most highly of regarded nobles, the pharaoh ties the cords around the Eater of Souls figurine and places it inside a tall chest that resembles a desert fortress. Using a heavy rope given by another priest, the pharaoh and one other tie the rope around the chest and place a wet clay seal on it where the pharaoh places the royal seal ring. Thus, the demon is imprisoned.

Source: Eater of Souls (Robinson, Lynda S. Eater of Souls. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1997.) Photo Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwivu_6LvMHMAhVK7yYKHSAyAoMQjxwIAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.experience-ancient-egypt.com%2Fegyptian-religion-mythology%2Fegyptian-symbols-and-texts%2Fegyptian-protection-symbols&bvm=bv.121099550,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNFX8kbUlGy1KQtVWJ5Sr9gy0NRV0w&ust=1462487304066537 http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/dancers.htm

- Louisa Sarofim