The following is an interview with Dalton Parker, a colleague from Mississippi who's interest in mythology has led him to be incredibly knowledgeable in the subject. He was kind enough to answer a few question about his thoughts on Egyptian mythology.
Q: How long have you studied mythology?
A: A tough one. I've been interested in myths and legend
for a long time, since at least age ten or so. I wouldn't call it
studying, precisely, but I've certainly been reading and talking about
them for years. If pressed, I'd peg eight years or so, but that makes it
seem like I'm some sort of professional.
Q: What other Mythologies have you studied?
A: Most of the European based myths I've at least looked at. Of
note are the ancient Greek and Norse myth systems, which I've given the
most attention. I've also looked at some interesting bits of Slavic
myths, mostly those about vampires. I know enough about Eastern European
folklore to quote one Romanian folk-saying that always amused me: "
Before you reach heaven, the saints will eat you." It
references the idea that demons shall attempt to devour souls before
they can reach... well, heaven. I enjoy the look on people's faces after I
share that tidbit. I also know a decent amount about Sumerian myths.
Q: How do you think Egyptian Mythology differs from other mythologies you’ve studied?
A: If I wanted to be witty, I'd say something shallow, like the
fact that many of the gods have animal heads. At least two of the major
mythologies I've looked at feature the idea of the current gods having
overthrown the older ones. This is almost always depicted the older gods
as something more monstrous and primal- You can see this with the Jotun
of Norse myths and the Titans of Greek ones. However, once these forces
were conquered, the ruler-ship of the world never changed. Odin was
never overthrown by his own children, nor was Zeus. The Egyptians, to my
somewhat limited knowledge, lacked much of the idea of older, meaner
gods ruling before the current ones. The various creation stories I've
read about this feature, rather, the current crop of gods being the ones
in charge. In at least one, they also have the overthrowing of the
chief god Ra by the schemes of the goddess Isis. This itself sets it
apart from many of the other stories I've read.
The Egyptians also placed, or seemed to place, a great deal of
emphasis on death. Their most enduring monuments are tombs, and they
have a book devoted wholly to instruct the dead on how to navigate the
afterlife. Their anatomy of the soul is nothing like I've seen in any
other mythology, with it's listing of the various parts.
Q: What are some of your personal views on Egyptian mythology as a whole?
A: I rather like it, though I, in all honesty, don't know as much about it as I would like.
Q: How do you feel about myths as a method for storytelling?
A: Myths are rich in themes and associations. It's often amazing
how even long dead myths can still paint modern culture, like the
twined serpents of the Caduceus attest.
Q: Do you believe that myths hold an educational value for people today? How?
A: Oh certainly. It's an amazing way of peeking into the lives
and values of dead peoples. You can tell a lot about what a culture
values by looking at their gods and culture-heroes. Look at the
Egyptians- one of their former chief gods is now the god of the
underworld, which nicely reflects how frankly they approach death. In
other ways, you can trace many ideas and bits of folklore back to
ancient times. The Egyptian concept of souls involves the idea that part
of the soul is the Ren, or name. It can never die so long as someone
still speaks it, or some of it exists. This reminds me very much of a
little saying about you never truly die until you are forgotten.
Q: Why do you think that Egyptian Gods and myths feature animals so commonly?
A: Many gods are represented with, or associated with,
particular animals. It's a trend so old that the origin is probably
forgotten. The Egyptian gods were often considered to represent the
aspect of realty they were associated with, like how the goddess Nut was
considered not merely rule the sky, but to actually
be it. So,
perhaps, the animals that gods were associated with were considered to
be, in some way, extensions of the gods themselves. Could be much more
easy to appease a god if they're dwelling partially in something you can
see and interact with.
Q: Egyptians, unlike some other cultures were not overly fearful of death as reflected in their myth. Why do you believe this was?
A: They thought they had a good idea of what to expect. Most
fear of death comes from fear of uncertainty. If you have a great deal
of confidence in how thing are going, it becomes less of a possible end
and more of a large shift in existing. Do the right things, follow the
instructions, make sure you get buried properly, and you'll continue on
in life without that much difficulty.
Q: Do you have a favorite myth or God from Egyptian mythology? Why?
A: Isis is a personal favorite. I have a certain weakness for
conniving and devious female characters, and Isis certainly fits the
bill. She manipulated her husband onto the throne of the gods, then
brought him back from the grave, although incompletely, when he was
murdered by his brother. After that, she made sure her son Horus could
assume the throne. This cunning and touch of magic is something I find
really interesting.
