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Brendan Fraser’s 1999 Egyptian adventure, The Mummy, (now available on Peacock), stands out as the top choice among a plethora of mummy-themed movies. It combines the classic elements of the genre with the captivating performances of Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
The main mummy in the film is named Imhotep, a traitor to the throne who undergoes a unique mummification process. Imhotep is captured by the Pharaoh’s forces and subjected to the Hom-Dai curse, which condemns him to an eternal living death. He is wrapped alive, bound in linen, and placed in a sarcophagus with flesh-eating scarabs.
Although the Pharaoh’s priests intended to preserve Imhotep’s body for eternity, they missed some crucial steps in the mummification process. Whether mummies are ancient (like in The Mummy’s Curse), animated (like in The Mummy: The Animated Series), or friendly (like in Hotel Transylvania), they all undergo a similar mummification process. Here’s a look at how mummies were made in ancient Egypt.
How the Ancient Egyptians Made Mummies
Mummification involved removing moisture from the body to prevent decay and preserve it for the afterlife. This process held cultural significance and was a way for the Egyptians to honor their deceased.
Egyptian mummies are renowned for providing insights into the culture of ancient Egypt. Unlike natural mummification that occurs accidentally in certain environments, the Egyptian process was intentional and varied based on social status.
The most effective mummification process, used on famous Egyptian mummies, dates back over 5,000 years and took around 70 days to complete. Skilled practitioners preserved the body and performed associated spiritual rituals.
Initially, the body was washed with wine and spices, and the organs were removed to reduce moisture. The brain was extracted through the nostrils, as the heart was believed to be the seat of the soul. The organs were stored in canopic jars or treated and placed back in the body.
The body was then treated with natron, a salt with moisture-absorbing properties, to dry and preserve it. After 40 days, the body was wrapped in linen and resin, creating a protective barrier. This meticulous process ensured the body’s preservation inside and out.
With The Mummy (1999) now streaming on Peacock, fans can enjoy a thrilling adventure. For more mummy-themed films, check out The Mummy Returns, The Mummy (2017), and others!
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