Anubis
Septicflesh
Journey to the Afterlife: Anubis' Judgment
Septicflesh's song "Anubis" delves into the ancient Egyptian mythology surrounding the god Anubis, the guardian of the dead and the judge of souls. The lyrics invite the listener to approach Anubis, who is depicted with his iconic jackal's nose, symbolizing his ability to discern truth from lies. The song sets a scene where the soul must leave the body, with the face remaining on a golden mask, a reference to the funerary practices of ancient Egypt where masks were used to honor the deceased.
The song emphasizes the importance of bravery and truthfulness in the afterlife. Anubis' scales of truth are a central metaphor, representing the weighing of the soul against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. This process determines whether the soul is worthy of eternal life or will be devoured by the jaws of chaos. The plea to Anubis not to let the soul wither and die reflects the fear and hope of the soul seeking passage to the afterlife.
The lyrics also highlight Anubis' role as the final judge, appointed by the gods to oversee the fate of the dead. The repeated invocation of Anubis underscores the reverence and fear associated with this deity. The song captures the essence of the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife, where the soul's journey is fraught with challenges and the ultimate goal is to achieve eternal life by proving one's worthiness. Through its powerful imagery and references to mythology, "Anubis" offers a profound exploration of life, death, and the quest for immortality.