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Original fileMedjed from the Papyrus of Ani
Medjed Bodmer 100
About This Work
The central figure, Medjed, is a simple, off-white, dome-shaped entity with a black horizontal band across its upper section and two large, almond-shaped human eyes positioned beneath the band. It has two thin, dark brown legs that end in feet. To the right, a second figure wearing a headdress with green and dark-tipped, horn-like projections stands on a green base. The figures are set against the tan, fibrous texture of papyrus, bordered by columns of vertical hieroglyphic text.
Medjed appears in the Book of the Dead (specifically Spell 17), where he is described as a 'smiter' with eyes that see but remain unseen. This manifestation is a significant example of the Egyptian concept of hidden, powerful entities within the funerary landscape of the afterlife.
Inscriptions(Egyptian (Hieroglyphic))
Hieroglyphic text columns surrounding the figures.
Translation
Portions of Spell 17 of the Book of the Dead, describing the nature of various deities and the deceased's knowledge of their names.
Connected Texts
Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani)
This image is an illustration from the Papyrus of Ani, a prominent copy of the Egyptian funerary text.