Significance of Amentet

Amentet, in Egyptian belief, is a multifaceted realm associated with the afterlife and divine activity. It is the place where the deceased seek peaceful entry and connection with Osiris, though it also involves trials and the destruction of the doomed. Amentet is described as a land of darkness and mystery, the origin of souls and the boundary of knowledge. Gods emerge from Amentet, and it is a place of praise, battle, and transformation, linked to the setting sun and later to tombs on the Nile's west bank.

Synonyms: Underworld, Netherworld, Afterlife

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Amentet'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Amentet in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) Amentet is a place where the gods turn back Apep on behalf of Ra, and where offerings are made to them for repulsing the Enemy of Ra.[1] (2) It is a region where the weighing of words takes place, followed by the reckoning of enemies by the standards of Seb.[2] (3) This is the place where beings make songs to Ra and exalt Heru-khuti; it contains the holy place of Ament.[3] (4) It is the place referenced in the texts referring to the entrance of Ra through the gateway, where the gods acclaim this great god and welcome the traveller who journeys there.[4] (5) The light begins to appear at the end of the thick darkness, which Ra travels through in Amentet, marking the conclusion of the secret matters performed by the great god.[5]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) This is a realm where Osiris dwells, described as beautiful, and where the deceased seeks to be received in peace with hands extended.[6] (2) He shall not be thrust from any door in Amentet; he shall travel on together with the kings of the north and of the south, and he shall abide with the followers of Osiris near unto Un-nefer, for ever, and for ever, and for ever.[7] (3) Amentet is referenced as the place from which Qerti comes forth, and the speaker declares they have not worked affliction.[8] (4) Amentet is the place from which Qerer comes forth, and Ani declares he has not committed fornication; also the Chief of the mighty comes from Amentet.[9] (5) Amentet is a place where Osiris dwells, inspiring hymns of praise and reverence in those who seek to enter the Hall of Double Right and Truth.[10]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) Amentet is the hidden Circle where KHEPER unites himself to the form of Ra, according to the text.[11] (2) AMENTET is the place whose lord is ascribed praise, and against whose enemies word maat is made every day.[12] (3) Amentet is a hidden place, also called the Hidden Place, where an exact representation in drawing is made to the south of the Ât.[13] (4) Amentet is a goddess standing with her arms stretched out, wearing the feather of Maat on her head, and the god asks her for her hand and help.[14] (5) Amentet is a location where the work involves hewing and hacking souls in pieces, setting restraint upon shadows, and destroying doomed beings.[15]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) It is one of the goddesses, along with HERIT and the god SEBEKHTI, who stand in front of four apes holding the Disk of the god in the ELEVENTH DIVISION.[16] (2) It is the secret path over which the god, under the form of MEHEN, travels. The sailors sing to the god during travel.[17] (3) AMENTET is the secret path that AFU-RA travels, leading him through regions with obstacles like sandbanks, serpents, and crocodiles, requiring the protection of Isis and SER.[18] (4) It is the name given to the secret path over which a deity journeys. Knowledge of this path grants access to offerings and gifts.[19] (5) The fields of this place are measured by certain gods, and the plots of ground are allotted to the spirits of the righteous.[20]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The bearer of the hatchet, and the supporter of the scales protect him who is in Ȧmenti, who resteth in the Tuat, and who passeth through darkness and shadow in the journey through Amentet.[21]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) A land where black darkness cannot be pierced by the eye, and it is a place of restraint (or misery) for him that dwelleth therein.[22]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.