Fiction logo
Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.

The Ancient Egyptian Goddess Ammit

"Devourer of the Dead"

By Michael LangillePublished about an hour ago 4 min read

In Egyptian mythology the ‘Hall of Ma'at’ is a forsaken place, dark and unforgiving. The rite of passage to immortality of one’s soul hangs in the balance. A ceremony named quite appropriately as the “Weighing of the Heart” has two potential outcomes, a pathway to eternity for the pure of heart, the other a dark voyage into everlasting agony and condemnation.

The soul worthy of eternal life travels not through the Underworld but makes its way effortlessly to Aaru. A fearless soul is lighter than a feather, the passageway to everlasting life is now clear. The stillness of silence then fills the air, travelling at the speed of light through the infinite stars and galaxies, the secrets of the universe are now in the palm of your hand. Aaru is indeed “heavenly paradise”. An endless bond is formed between all moral souls, an unimaginable connection forever lasting. Look into my eyes and I'll show you the secrets of the universe, follow me into the endless beauty that surrounds us, travel with me across time and space and I'll teach you the meaning of all things.

Aaru’s radiance is awe inspiring, otherworldly. The mountains silently standing guard rise majestically in the distance, cascading waterfalls sparkle in the ethereal light soothing all that glance upon it. Rivers flow accompanied by lush green-lands and palm trees with roots as deep as the ocean floor. The pure white sandy beaches align the coast, the infinite sandy dunes of Aaru glisten like gold, peace and harmony fill the air with blissful hope, an all encompassing sense of glee lifting all spirits that bear witness.

Upon arrival to Aaru, eternal souls are greeted by previously lost family members and friends. This moment culminates a long awaited reunion, a dream come true for many. Loving couples rekindle their relationships, parents reconnect with their loving children, and old friends reminisce. Peace on earth was just a fantasy but in Aaru there is no other way. Devotion to unity and love without jealously or ill will is a necessity. Worthy of the trip we can only dream of experiencing such inconceivable beauty.

Aaru, also known as the 'Field of Reeds' is a lush and heavenly land mass resembling that of The Nile. A colourful and exquisite place where impossible dreams are now attainable, a realm that allows the nearly departed to reconnect with those previously lost. Two worlds separated by life reunited by death. A stream of consciousness ever flowing without borders, a celebration of death in life.

Ammit is a mysterious figure in Egyptian mythology. A stoic and soulless entity, she’s believed to be a fusion of three deadly predators of the Nile, her appearance alone provides its soulless victims with trembling horror. One by one, as she snaps ferociously her jaws and plants herself down firmly with the eeriest sound, she swallows her prey. As the soulless prepare unwillingly for their terrible journey to Hell an overwhelming feeling of emptiness consumes them, all that remains is a corrupted black heart riddled in anxiousness fear and regret.

Redemption and Purification: In order to truly repent, immoral souls must exorcise themselves of all evil spirits. The cleansing process is arduous, practically insurmountable. The cries of a thousand victims swell your mind, their insufferable screams toxify your broken soul. Experiencing for the first time the exact trauma inflicted on their victims is shocking and nearly unbearable to endure. Unable to escape, the horrid visions intensify. Paralyzed by fear, the soul awaits its fate.

A flickering light of a dying flame deep in the shadows is all that remains. Whimpering in confinement the heart desperately pleads in silence, in utter darkness hope refuses to comply. Exhaustion leads to despair, the heart unwilling to move on. “Let it be the end, be done with this everlasting pain.” There is no escape, abandonment or death. The evil in self must be destroyed, the soul cleansed of all impurities, like glass shattered into a thousand pieces and then put back together. Depleted and unidentifiable, the soul seeks guidance. Practically torn in half with only a fool’s hope to latch onto, the enormity of this moment is a picture of humility. The moral tightrope is treacherous, especially for those not entirely committed. Remnants of charred scent linger, a horrid reminder of what awaits. Please let me walk the straight line.

Lit by the tiniest flame, the pathway towards redemption is no promising route. Grasping blindly for direction the soul trembles its way forward. As if walking through quicksand each step is a testament of pure will and unrelenting desire. Upon arrival to Duat, the soul is met with its final test, one last chance to right the wrongs of the past and turn a new leaf, Reincarnation.

Rebirth allows the soul to enter a new being, bringing upon them the distant memories of their past life. These prior experiences remain deep within the unconscious, accessible only to those with a heightened sense of awareness. Moral behavior if applied correctly can help strengthen the relationship between body and soul. Empathy, respect, honesty and fairness are all commendable traits when used properly. Unfortunately these exact traits if used incorrectly can also be a detriment. Instinctively we make split second decisions depending on how we feel in that moment, guided by a system of core beliefs and values. Fear can also drive a person to morality, a guiding light leading us to a higher sense of consciousness. The charred scent cannot be erased, it’s trace will remain for eternity. A quiet sense of urgency persists, the mind struggles to comprehend the constant state of uneasiness. The chosen reaction is usually caution as opposed to anger which is quite inappropriate. Avoid temptation, follow the straight and narrow, and guarantee your spot in the afterlife. Aru is a place for forgiveness and hope, even the darkest of souls can find a welcoming light here. The end is near, I can hear the bells chime, oh how glorious it will be, home at last.

AncientFiguresFantasyHorrorPsychologicalShort StoryClassical

About the Creator

Michael Langille

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.