The Mummy
By Foo Cui Yun
We will be exploring how new discoveries in the field of history can also contribute to a revolution in the representation of historical elements in films in this post. The representation of ancient Egypt and the mummy as a figure in films has had one of the most prominent evolutions from when it was first presented in the media to how it is presented in more recent films. Hence, we will be using The Mummy 1999 film and the remake, The Mummy 2017 film, to explore more prominent themes and ideas which illustrate this revolution. The end of the post will also feature titbits of information that those who have watched the movies might want to know about. Don’t worry, no spoilers!
For those unfamiliar with both the films, this trailer will provide a quick summary for context without spoiling the films.
The Mummy
So, the big question. What are mummies exactly? Mummies are individuals who have passed away and are preserved as a way of honouring the dead as the ancient Egyptians believed that a well-preserved body is needed for the individual to move on to the afterlife. This is an act widely practiced by the ancient Egyptians. The process of making mummies is called mummification.
Timeline for the evolution of the technology of mummification
Key words (Click the links below for the meanings of key terms):
When mummies were first presented in the media, they were unidentified, poorly wrapped individuals whose only power was to strangle. The coffins that contained the bodies were portrayed as simple and made of wood. In later movies, like The Mummy 1999 and The Mummy 2017, mummies have evolved. They are portrayed as prominent, main antagonists holding immense power such as the ability to command a sandstorm (in the case of Imhotep in The Mummy 1999 film and Princess Ahmanet in The Mummy 2017 film).
The appearance of the coffins is also identical to documented versions of mummies’ coffins which are closely moulded to the mummies’ shapes. The coffins, especially of those of royals, were lavishly decorated.
Comparison
The design of a coffin containing a wrapped mummy from ancient Egypt
Design of the coffin of Princess Ahmanet from The Mummy 2017
Design of the coffin of Imhotep from The Mummy 1999
Perhaps this evolution in the portrayal of mummies is due to the discovery that well-preserved mummies are royals who are usually seen as and worshipped like gods or deities by the citizens. The idea of deities and gods might have sparked the creativity of the directors to portray the mummies as such powerful beings. Immortality was also another concept seen in The Mummy 1999 and The Mummy 2017. The idea of how royalty in ancient Egypt was well preserved may have contributed to this idea. Due to more discoveries about mummies, items such as the Book of the Dead and tombs in complex pyramids were also added as elements in newer movies. And of course, such elements add to the thrill and the screen time of these movies.
The curse
We often associate mummies with curses and think that those who break the curse will awaken the bodies and bring about disaster. However, did you know that in reality, mummies have loose connections to curses or rather mummification is a way for the deceased individual to seek peace in the afterlife? So how and when did mummies come to be so commonly associated with curses? It all started with the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922. Upon the opening of his tomb, expedition sponsor Lord Carnarvon and six other people present died within a decade. This news was sensationalised and this brought about popularity in including curses in mummy films as the concept of a curse was way more exciting for a plot for filmmakers. This, hence, leads to the common association of curses with mummies by the wider audience. In reality, Lord Carnarvon died of blood poisoning and there were actually 26 people present during the opening of the tomb, so 6 out of 23 is really not a significant enough number to conclude that opening King Tutankhamen’s tomb unleashed a death curse. The association of curses with mummies was also seen as a prominent theme in The Mummy 1999 and The Mummy 2017.
The tomb
A layout of The Great Pyramid of Giza
Those more familiar with The Mummy may have an idea that the main characters had to outwit the numerous complex and deadly traps set in the tombs. While people may dismiss the complex traps as fictional, the idea of traps in tombs itself does have a historical basis. The traps in the pyramid where the tomb of the royals is located in is a fairly simple one as shown above.
Though not much is known about the subterranean chamber, it is a generally a mysterious chamber containing a square pit which is about 10 feet deep with the descending passage and the “Grotto” leading to it. The chamber leads to a dead end. This strange chamber and its passageways are believed by historians to be a trap that prevents tomb robbers from robbing the riches that are buried with the mummies of the royals. The tunnel seen in the diagram above is believed to be a tunnel dug by tomb robbers to avoid the traps that could land them in the subterranean chamber and lead them to their demise.
The male to the female mummy
As seen in the trailer above, The Mummy 1999 features Imhotep, a male figure as the antagonist, while The Mummy 2017 remake decided to feature Princess Ahmanet, a female figure as the antagonist. In The Mummy 2017 remake film, Princess Ahmanet, a female character, can be seen to hold immense power, similar to Imhotep, a male character in The Mummy 1999 film. This change in the gender of the mummy may seem insignificant to viewers but is a noteworthy change to mention as this gives the idea that females could have also been powerful in the past. This highlights a shift towards interest in female historical figures in more recent times. Traditionally, there is more interest in male historical figures and achievements in female figures are often left out or not well-documented. However, discoveries in history have shown that female figures can also hold power. Examples of powerful female figures in Egyptian history that were brought to the limelight include Cleopatra and Hatshepsut.
Titbits of information
Mummified alive - Is it possible?
Not really. A person mummified alive would suffocate to death. However, the body of the individual will not decompose like normal bodies of the deceased that are buried without methods of preservation. The process to ensure preservation in mummification is a complex one.
Process of mummification
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Body is washed and cleaned
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All internal organs are removed from the body
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Body and internal organs (intestines, liver, lungs, heart, and stomach) are packed in natron salt
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Dried organs are wrapped in linen and placed in canopic jars
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The dried body is rubbed with oil
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Body is wrapped in linen bandages
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The wrapped body is placed in a large piece of cloth and secured with linen strips
Imhotep and Princess Ahmanet - real or fictional?
Imhotep
Imhotep, the main antagonist of The Mummy 1999 film was based off a historical figure documented extensively in ancient Egyptian records. The movies portray him as an evil character which is a stark contrast to his actual background.
Imhotep, also known as the son of Ptah, was widely known to be a miracle healer though he has another notable achievement which was being the first architect to build a pyramid, the step pyramid. He was one of the rare individuals who achieved deity status and was given the term, Netjer, a term given to kings, divine animals and the dead in Egyptian texts which suggest divinity that ‘exceeds the bounds of their own families’. He had many shrines dedicated to him and had very dedicated cult members.
Princess Ahmanet
Princess Ahmanet, the main antagonist of The Mummy 2017 film, on the other hand, is believed to be a fictional character. Despite her extensive backstory in the film, no record of such a character can be found. Perhaps her elaborate backstory was inspired by real historical figures.
Book of the dead
A prominent item that unleashed 'the curse' in the films is the Book of the Dead. Unlike the representation in films as a form of a book, it usually consists of hieroglyphic texts found on the walls on the pyramids or tombs. Its purpose is to guide the soul of the deceased to successfully make its way to the afterlife. It contains spells and illustrations.
By Jessie Zhou, 2018
References
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"Imhotep." Arts and Humanities Through the Eras, edited by Edward I. Bleiberg, et al., vol. 1: Ancient Egypt 2675-332 B.C.E. Gale, 2005, pp. 248-249. Gale Virtual Reference Library, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3427400145/GVRL?u=sunybuff_main&sid=GVRL&xid=859e1154.
"Imhotep." World of Health, Gale, 2006. Student Resources In Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K2191100190/SUIC?u=sunybuff_main&sid=SUIC&xid=58658dda
Moodie, R. Lee. (1931). Roentgenologic studies of Egyptian and Peruvian mummies. Chicago
Gods and Goddesses, www.ancientegypt.co.uk/time/explore/mum.html.
“Mummies in Ancient Egypt and the Process of Mummification.” History, 25 Apr. 2018, www.historyonthenet.com/the-egyptians-mummies.
“Book of the Dead.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Nov. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_the_Dead.
Handwerk, Brian. “Curse of the Mummy.” National Geographic, National Geographic, 16 Feb. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/archaeology/curse-of-the-mummy/.
“Egyptian Mummification.” Mesopotamian Tablet Collection, Notable Collections, Collections, Spurlock Museum, U of I, www.spurlock.illinois.edu/exhibits/online/mummification/artifacts6.html.
Great Pyramid of Giza, www.gizapyramid.com/passages.htm.