The Afterlife

Egyptian pharaohs' bodies were prepared for the afterlife through a process called mummification, which involved removing internal organs, drying the body with natron, and wrapping it in linen. This preservation was essential to ensure the body remained intact for the afterlife, as Egyptians believed that a well-preserved body was necessary for the soul's journey and existence in the afterlife. Additionally, elaborate burial rituals and the inclusion of grave goods were performed to provide for the pharaoh in the next world.

In many mythologies, the underworld is depicted as a realm where souls reside after death, often characterized by a sense of separation from the living. It can be portrayed as a shadowy, dark place, filled with echoes of past lives, or a more serene, ethereal landscape where souls find peace. The experiences of souls in the afterlife may vary, with some facing judgment or punishment, while others might find solace or reunion with loved ones. Ultimately, the underworld serves as a reflection of the beliefs and values of the cultures that envision it, shaping how they understand life, death, and the fate of the soul.

Grecian beliefs about the afterlife were generally less optimistic and more varied than those of the Egyptians. While Egyptians held a strong belief in an afterlife characterized by a journey to the Field of Reeds and the importance of mummification for preservation, Greek views ranged from a shadowy existence in Hades to the possibility of rewards in the Elysian Fields for the virtuous. Additionally, the Greeks often emphasized individual fate in the afterlife, while Egyptians focused on collective judgment and the afterlife being accessible through proper funerary practices. Thus, the two cultures exhibited significant differences in their views on life after death.

In "Horrible Histories: Stupid Deaths," the character who guards the gateway to the afterlife is named Charon. He is depicted as the ferryman of the dead, transporting souls across the River Styx to the realm of the dead in Greek mythology. Charon is often portrayed with a morose demeanor, reflecting the somber task he performs.

As of my last update in October 2023, Leon S. Kennedy does not appear in "Resident Evil: Afterlife," which is part of the live-action film series. Instead, the film features a different storyline focusing on Alice as she battles against the Umbrella Corporation. However, Leon is a prominent character in the "Resident Evil" video game series and has been featured in various adaptations, including animated films. For the most current information, check recent releases or announcements.

Odysseus's conversation with Achilles in the Underworld highlights the Greek belief that the afterlife is a shadowy existence, where even the greatest heroes yearn for the life they once had. Achilles expresses regret for having chosen glory in life over a long, uneventful existence, suggesting that fame does not equate to fulfillment after death. This interaction underscores the notion that the afterlife is a realm of reflection and longing, where the values of life—such as honor and legacy—are reconsidered in the face of mortality. Ultimately, it reveals a complex view of death, where the living are privileged and the dead may envy their earthly experiences.

Mummies were created as part of ancient Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, where they believed that preserving the body was essential for the soul's survival and journey after death. The Egyptians thought that the afterlife was a continuation of life on Earth, requiring the deceased to be equipped with their physical form and belongings. This preservation allowed the soul, or "ka," to recognize and return to its body, ensuring a successful transition into the next life. The elaborate burial rituals and tombs were designed to provide comfort and protection for the deceased in the afterlife.

In the context of the Kiva, particularly in Puebloan cultures, the portal to the afterlife is often referred to as the "sipapu." This small, symbolic hole or depression in the floor of the Kiva represents a place of emergence and is believed to connect the physical world with the spiritual realm. The sipapu serves as a reminder of the ancestral spirits and the journey of the soul after death.

The artifact commonly associated with helping Pharaoh Cheops (Khufu) in his journey to the afterlife is the "pyramid." Specifically, the Great Pyramid of Giza, which served as his tomb, was designed to facilitate his transition to the afterlife through elaborate burial practices and the inclusion of various grave goods. Additionally, items such as canopic jars, which held his internal organs, and amulets for protection were also placed within the pyramid to aid him in the afterlife.

Mennonites generally believe in an afterlife that includes the resurrection of the dead and eternal life with God for those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Their beliefs emphasize a personal relationship with God and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. While interpretations can vary among different Mennonite groups, many hold that the afterlife is a continuation of one's relationship with God, characterized by peace and fulfillment. They also stress the importance of living a faithful life on Earth as preparation for the afterlife.

Egyptian ideas about the afterlife, particularly the belief in a complex journey to the afterlife and the significance of tombs and burial rituals, have provided valuable insights into their culture, religion, and social structure. Artifacts such as the Book of the Dead, elaborate tomb paintings, and mummification practices reveal their beliefs in immortality and the importance of preserving the body for the afterlife. These elements have helped historians and archaeologists understand the values, daily life, and spiritual priorities of ancient Egyptians, enriching our overall knowledge of this civilization.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh learns about the afterlife primarily through his encounters with Utnapishtim, the immortal figure who survived the Great Flood. Utnapishtim reveals that the fate of humanity is to face death, and he describes the bleak existence that awaits souls in the underworld, known as the "House of Dust." This revelation deeply impacts Gilgamesh, prompting him to seek a way to achieve immortality and understand the value of life, ultimately leading him to accept his mortality.

In the Egyptian afterlife, wall paintings served as a means to ensure a successful transition to the next life and provide the deceased with necessary provisions and protection. These vibrant depictions often illustrated scenes of daily life, offerings, deities, and the deceased's journey through the afterlife, reflecting their beliefs and aspirations. The art was believed to come to life, allowing the deceased to access these comforts and continue their existence in the afterlife. Thus, the paintings were both a spiritual guide and a vital resource for the soul's journey beyond death.

As of my last update in October 2023, there has been no official announcement regarding Keith DeCandido writing a novelization for "Resident Evil: Afterlife." Novelizations for films can vary widely in terms of who is chosen to write them, and many factors influence this decision. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check official announcements or Keith DeCandido's own communications.

The significance of an afterlife largely depends on individual beliefs and values. For some, the idea of an afterlife provides comfort, purpose, and moral guidance, influencing how they live their lives. For others, a focus on the present and the tangible world may be more meaningful, leading them to prioritize their actions and relationships in this life alone. Ultimately, the question of whether it matters is deeply personal and varies from one person to another.

The concept of who is in charge of the afterlife varies widely across different cultures and religions. In many belief systems, deities or divine figures are seen as governing the afterlife; for example, in Christianity, God judges souls, while in ancient Egyptian mythology, Osiris oversees the realm of the dead. Other traditions may emphasize ancestral spirits or a collective spiritual force. Ultimately, the perception of authority in the afterlife is shaped by cultural narratives and spiritual beliefs.

Christianity generally teaches that the afterlife involves a relationship with God in heaven for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, while those who reject Him face separation from God, often interpreted as hell. This belief emphasizes salvation through faith, grace, and the redemption offered by Jesus' sacrifice. Christians see the afterlife as a fulfillment of God's promise, where believers will experience eternal joy, peace, and communion with Him. The hope of resurrection and eternal life shapes many aspects of Christian faith and moral living.

A pharaoh could be prevented from entering the afterlife due to several factors, including improper burial practices or the absence of necessary funerary offerings and rituals. If their body was not properly preserved through mummification, or if the tomb was desecrated, it could jeopardize their journey to the afterlife. Additionally, failing to live a life in accordance with ma'at, the ancient Egyptian concept of truth and justice, could result in their heart being deemed unworthy during the judgment by Osiris.

Victorians had a complex view of the afterlife, heavily influenced by religious beliefs and the era's fascination with death. Many adhered to Christian doctrines that promised eternal life in heaven or punishment in hell, reflecting a desire for moral order. Additionally, the rise of spiritualism in the late Victorian period led to increased interest in communication with the dead and the possibility of an afterlife beyond traditional religious teachings. This duality showcased both a yearning for comfort in grief and a curiosity about what lies beyond death.

The Olmec civilization, one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures, held a complex belief system regarding the afterlife. They believed in a spiritual realm where the dead would journey after death, and their burial practices often included elaborate tombs and offerings to ensure a safe passage. The Olmec also associated certain deities, particularly those represented by jaguars and other powerful animals, with the afterlife, indicating a belief in transformation and continuity beyond death. Overall, their beliefs reflected a deep reverence for ancestors and the interconnectedness of life, death, and the cosmos.

The pervasive contemplation of an afterlife among humans suggests a deep-seated desire for meaning and continuity beyond physical existence. This inclination may stem from our awareness of mortality and the search for purpose, prompting reflections on what lies beyond death. Cultural beliefs, religious teachings, and personal experiences further fuel these thoughts, indicating that the notion of an afterlife is ingrained in the human psyche. Ultimately, this shared curiosity highlights our quest for understanding the unknown and the hope for enduring connection.

Faustus believes that the afterlife is a realm of either eternal damnation or salvation, but he ultimately leans toward skepticism about the possibility of redemption. He sells his soul to Lucifer, seeking knowledge and power, reflecting a desire to escape the constraints of mortal life. However, as his time with Mephistopheles progresses, Faustus grapples with fear and regret, revealing his underlying anxiety about the consequences of his choices in the afterlife. This conflict highlights his struggle between ambition and the looming dread of eternal suffering.

In Islam, obedience to Allah and adherence to His commandments are fundamental to a believer's faith. This obedience is believed to directly influence one's afterlife, as it is considered a measure of a person's righteousness. Those who follow Allah's guidance and live a life of piety are promised rewards in the afterlife, including paradise, while disobedience and sin can lead to punishment. Thus, the relationship between obedience and the afterlife is central to Islamic teachings on morality and accountability.

The Celts believed in an afterlife that was closely tied to their views of nature and the cycle of life. They envisioned a realm called "Tír na nÓg," or the Land of Eternal Youth, where the souls of the deceased would go, experiencing peace and eternal happiness. This belief was reflected in their reverence for the earth and the importance of the natural world, as they thought that life continued in another form beyond death. Additionally, they practiced rituals and burial customs aimed at honoring the dead and ensuring a smooth transition to the afterlife.

In the medieval age, the preparation for the afterlife was often referred to as "memento mori," which translates to "remember that you must die." This concept encouraged individuals to reflect on mortality and lead a morally upright life to ensure a favorable judgment after death. The practice included acts of penance, prayer, and participation in sacraments, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness for the afterlife. Additionally, the idea of purgatory was significant, as it represented a transitional state where souls could be purified before entering heaven.