the
Pyramid Texts
Egyptian
Literature - Old Kingdom
The
oldest literature preserved, the Pyramid Texts, are mortuary
texts carved inside the pyramids of kings and queens of
the later part of the Old Kingdom.
They were designed to ensure the dead ruler's rightful place
in the afterlife. These texts incorporate mythology,
magical spells,
hymns to the gods, and daily offering rituals.
Many
autobiographical inscriptions from private tombs recount
the deceased's participation in historical events. Although
no stories or wisdom texts are preserved from the Old Kingdom,
some Middle Kingdom manuscripts may be copies of Old Kingdom
originals—an example, “The Instruction of the Vizier Ptahhotep,”
which is composed of maxims that illustrate basic virtues
(such as moderation, truthfulness, and kindness) governing
human relations and that describe the ideal person as a
just administrator.
from:
"Egyptian Literature" Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia
2001 http://encarta.msn.com
© 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
