When you think of King Tut, you may think of a regal image of an Egyptian ruler, but you might also think of the curses associated with this well-known figure. In this article, you will learn a bit about Egyptian curses, especially related to the legend of King Tut.
Egypt is a country associated with numerous legends, stories and tales dealing with curses. Egyptian inhabitants have been known to wear amulets for protection, as well as hold spells and magic in high regard. One of the most told and well known of these curses deal with King Tutankhamen and his tomb. There are many who believe in these curses, while others care not to follow them. For these widespread beliefs, which date back a long way, this is why Egypt has been mentioned in the same breath as magic, curses and spells.
The public first heard the tales of King Tut’s curse when a man by the name of Howard Carter, discovered his tomb. After his find, a cobra ate his beloved pet bird. A few months had passed and the man who actually opened the tomb, Lord Carnaron, fell ill and eventually died soon after. Lord Carnarvon, who was also responsible for funding the search for King Tut’s tomb, died from a strange trail of events. He was first bitten on the cheek by a mosquito. The bite became infected after he shaved over it, causing him to become ill. High fever and chills followed and when a doctor was sent for to look after him, he had already died. At the time of his death, it is said that the lights in Cairo mysteriously ceased for a moment.
Since its discovery, it is believed that more than 20 people have lost their lives in connection to King Tut’s curse. The manner in which each individual died is also quite odd with no natural demise. A substantial amount of controversy stirred when tales began to spread stating that the curse caused the deaths. Out of the whole ordeal of the discovery of the tomb, the man who found it, Carter, lived a long life and eventually passed away from natural causes.
When it comes to the curse of King Tut, there are a few signs that add fuel to the “curse fire.” It is said that on the entrance of the tomb a carving gave fair warning. Rumors spread that the words, “Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs the peace of the king” were carved, but there is no concrete evidence to prove that this was ever found at the King’s tomb. It is said that Egyptians are not known for putting curses on their tombs.
Egyptians and other researchers have tried to suppress the rumor mill and give scientific theories as to why the deaths occur. As time passes, mummies become a breeding ground for mold spores, which can become quite toxic and harmful. Therefore, they suggest that while dealing with the mummy and tomb, toxic spores could have came into contact with the individuals who died.
Questions to ponder in regards to this legend include:
Why didn’t the first to find the tomb die of the curse?
If it is a toxic spore, which killed the tomb raiders, why didn’t Carter suffer the same demise?
I guess it all depends on whether or not you believe in such things.
