Overview
Magical practices and mystery religions in ancient Egypt. No prior knowledge of ancient Egypt or religion is required.
Following an introduction to life, worldview and mythology in ancient Egypt, this course concentrates on two aspects of Ancient Egypt that have intrigued scholars and the wider public for more than a century: ancient Egyptian magical practices and mystery religion.
The paper examines magical techniques used to cure diseases and bring healing, magical incantations to counter and exorcise demons, the construction of effective curses against one’s enemies, the magic involved with mummification, and oneiromancy (the interpretation of dreams).
The paper also examines the emergence of mystery religions in ancient Egypt, their origins, their secret initiation rituals, and their purported benefits to initiates in this and the next life—with a special focus on the mysteries of Isis, the powerful Egyptian goddess.
About this paper
| Paper title | Ancient Egypt: Magic and Mystery |
|---|---|
| Subject | Religious Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 points
- Restriction
- RELS 344
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
No prior knowledge of ancient Egypt or Egyptian is required. The paper is designed to be taken as a standalone course and can be taken wholly online in any locality or in-person on campus.
- Contact
Dr Deane Galbraith deane.galbraith@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
Lectures and readings will cover,
- Introduction to life, worldview and mythology in ancient Egypt.
- Ancient Egyptian magical practices.
- Ancient Egyptian mystery religions.
- Teaching Arrangements
Five hours of lectures per week for five weeks.
All lectures will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
- Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this paper. The course reader contains all the required readings (available online).
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective; Critical Thinking; Ethics; Research; Communication; Cultural understanding; Scholarship
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.- Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to understand and analyse,
- The techniques used in Egyptian magic.
- The social structures and worldviews underlying the practice of Egyptian magic.
- The emergence and character of the Mystery Religions, with a focus on the Mysteries of Isis.
Overview
Magical practices and mystery religions in ancient Egypt. No prior knowledge of ancient Egypt or religion is required.
Following an introduction to life, worldview and mythology in ancient Egypt, this course concentrates on two aspects of Ancient Egypt that have intrigued scholars and the wider public for more than a century: ancient Egyptian magical practices and mystery religion.
The paper examines magical techniques used to cure diseases and bring healing, magical incantations to counter and exorcise demons, the construction of effective curses against one's enemies, the magic involved with mummification and oneiromancy (the interpretation of dreams).
The paper also examines the emergence of mystery religions in ancient Egypt, their origins, their secret initiation rituals and their purported benefits to initiates in this and the next life, with a special focus on the mysteries of Isis, the powerful Egyptian goddess.
About this paper
| Paper title | Ancient Egypt: Magic and Mystery |
|---|---|
| Subject | Religious Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | 1st Non standard period (15 November 2027 - 18 December 2027)
(Distance learning)
1st Non standard period (15 November 2027 - 18 December 2027) (On campus) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 36 points
- Restriction
- RELS 344
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
No prior knowledge of ancient Egypt or Egyptian is required. The paper is designed to be taken as a standalone course and can be taken fully online in any locality or in-person on campus.
- Contact
Dr Deane Galbraith: deane.galbraith@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
Lectures and readings will cover:
- Introduction to life, worldview and mythology in ancient Egypt.
- Ancient Egyptian magical practices.
- Ancient Egyptian mystery religions.
- Teaching Arrangements
Five hours of lectures per week for five weeks.
All lectures will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
- Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this paper. The course reader contains all the required readings (available online).
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course should be able to understand and analyse:
- The techniques used in Egyptian magic.
- The social structures and worldviews underlying the practice of Egyptian magic.
- The emergence and character of the Mystery Religions, with a focus on the Mysteries of Isis.