New Kingdom
Book of the Dead: Chapter 1 (Opening Formula)
c. 1550–1070 BCE
Chapter 1 of the Book of the Dead is the processional hymn spoken at the funeral, as the deceased's mummy is carried to the tomb. The Papyrus of Ani (c. 1275 BCE), now in the British Museum, contains the finest illustrated version. This opening formula presents the deceased before Osiris and proclaims his worthiness to enter the afterlife.
1
ḥnk.tdrwmnḫtm hrw
Beginning ofthe chaptersof going forthby day
Beginning of the chapters of going forth by day,
2
ḏd-mdwnWsjrJni
words spokenbyOsirisAni
Words spoken by the Osiris Ani,
3
wrḏdmꜣꜥtnṯrw
greatscribeof the offeringsof all the gods
the great scribe of the offerings of all the gods,
4
mꜣꜥ-ḫrwnbtp
true of voicelordof reverence
true of voice, lord of reverence.