The Connection Between Love and Death in Ancient Egypt and the Book of Canticles (Song of Songs)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between love and death in Ancient Egypt and the Bible (Old Testament), a subject that scientific research seems to have overlooked. For the study of the subject, we will use the comparative method, via citation of key elements of the Egyptian and the biblical thought, to better map the worldview of the aforementioned people. The existence of a plethora of ancient Egyptian love poetry texts contributes the most to the formation of a fairly complete view of the subject under examination. To this, it can be added the discovery of frescoes/mural paintings in Egyptian tombs, which reinforce the connection between love and death. As for the Bible, the only source is the Old Testament, and, especially, the book of Canticles (Song of Songs). Although this book consists of only 8 chapters, it conveys rich messages and highlights the connection between love and death, adding the concept of love-sickness as a connecting link between them.