The Pharaoh Sails To Orion

Nightwish's song "The Pharaoh Sails To Orion" is a rich tapestry of mythological and celestial imagery, blending ancient Egyptian mythology with cosmic exploration. The lyrics open with a biblical reference from Exodus 10:28, setting a tone of divine command and foreboding. This introduction serves as a prelude to a journey that transcends earthly bounds, venturing into the realms of the divine and the stars.

The song's narrative revolves around a pharaoh's voyage to Orion, a constellation often associated with Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife. The lyrics describe a nautical ascension, suggesting a spiritual journey or an ascension to the heavens. The mention of ship-shaped barrows and the Serpent Chimera evokes images of ancient Egyptian burial practices and mythological creatures, symbolizing the pharaoh's passage through the afterlife.

The recurring references to Horus and Seteh (Set) highlight the duality of life and death, creation and destruction. Horus, the god of the sky and kingship, represents rebirth and protection, while Set, the god of chaos and storms, embodies destruction and the underworld. The pharaoh's journey is thus a quest for balance and enlightenment, guided by celestial bodies like Sepedet (Sirius) and Draco.

The song's climax speaks of merging with the stars and joining the "empyrean circus," a poetic depiction of the afterlife where souls transcend earthly existence. The imagery of kissing cobras and the twilight cathedral further emphasizes the mystical and otherworldly nature of this journey. Ultimately, "The Pharaoh Sails To Orion" is a profound exploration of life, death, and the eternal quest for knowledge and transcendence, set against the backdrop of ancient mythology and cosmic wonder.