The Hall of Truth (often referred to as the “Hall of Maat” or “Hall of Two Truths”) is a central concept in Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs and mythology. It’s the location where the deceased’s heart is judged to determine their worthiness for the afterlife.

This mythology surrounding the Hall of Truth not only offers insights into the Egyptian view of the afterlife but also provides a glimpse into the values and ethics that governed their daily lives.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Hall of Truth in Ancient Egyptian mythology:

The Concept of Maat

Maat is a critical notion in Egyptian culture and religion. Represented as a goddess with an ostrich feather, Maat symbolizes truth, order, balance, morality, justice, and harmony. The Egyptians believed that the universe operated on the principle of Maat, and it was essential for both the living and the deceased to adhere to this principle.

Judgment Process

Upon death, the deceased was believed to enter the Hall of Maat for judgment. Here, the person’s heart, the seat of emotion and memory, would be weighed against the feather of Maat on a giant set of scales.

Role of Anubis in the Hall of Truth

Anubis, the jackal-headed god of mummification, was often depicted overseeing the weighing process. He ensured that the scales were balanced and that the judgment was fair.

Thoth’s Role

Thoth, the ibis-headed god of wisdom and writing, would record the results of the judgment. He maintained the records of the souls and their actions during their lifetimes.

Outcome of the judgment

If the heart balanced perfectly or was lighter than the feather, it indicated that the person had led a righteous life, upholding Maat. They would be granted access to the Field of Reeds, a paradise where they would live an eternal, blissful existence, much like their life on Earth but without hardships or suffering.

If, however, the heart was heavier than the feather, it signified that the person had accumulated wrongdoings and had not repented or corrected them. Such a heart would be devoured by Ammit, a demoness with the head of a crocodile, the torso of a leopard, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. The individual would then suffer a “second death” and cease to exist entirely.

Significance

The judgment in the Hall of Truth underscores how deeply the Ancient Egyptians valued moral integrity, truth, and justice. It reflects the societal standards and the importance of living a righteous life. The notion of the heart being weighed against the feather of Maat was not just religious but also philosophical, encouraging people to introspect, correct their misdeeds, and seek balance in their lives.