[HPforGrownups] Etymology of "Death Eater" (was Re: With enemies like these.....)

[charme]

No: HPFGUIDX 117022


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cleverestwitchofherage"

 Hi,
>
> Pardon me if this point has been raised before, but I'm new to the
> list. Isn't one of the gods in Egyptian mythology known as
> the "eater of death"? Rowling makes numerous references to Egyptian
> wizards.
>
> Clever Witch
>

Charme:

Welcome, Clever Witch :)

Yes, there is.....Ammut  was considered a demoness in ancient Egyptian 
religious culture. She was known as the 'Eater of Hearts', 'The Devourer' 
and 'Great of Death' because she was a demoness of punishment, which its way 
could be who you are thinking of.  It is said the The Book of the Dead, 
Ammut sat at the judgement ready to devour the souls of the unworthy - 
considered the final death for an Egyptian.

Hope this helps :)
charme