Vignette from Spell 87 of the Book of the Dead of Ramose
Spell 87 is for ‘being transformed into a son of the earth’. This was a snake described as being ‘long of years, who sleeps and is reborn every day’. The Egyptians believed snakes were dangerous creatures to be both feared and revered. They had a protective role - for example the king was usually depicted with a cobra on his forehead, but they also had a destructive nature - the principal enemy of the sun-god was a huge snake called Apep or Apophis.
As in this papyrus, spell 87 is often found with spells 86 (for being transformed into a swallow) and 88 (for being transformed into a crocodile).
Spell 87.1
Translation
For being transformed into a son of the earth. Words said by</span> the Osiris, supervisor of archivists, Ramose, justified. I am a son of the earth, long of years, who sleeps and is reborn every day …
Spell 87.2
Translation
… I am a son of the earth who is at the limits of the earth. I sleep and am reborn, being renewed and rejuvenated …
Spell 87.3
Translation
… <every> day. I am the Osiris, supervisor of archivists, Ramose, justified against the enemies every day.
