}
Protection in death
The ancient Egyptians believed that amulets, prayers and figures of the gods gave protection to the dead. A heart amulet helped to ensure rebirth, especially when associated with the heron, the ba of the gods Re and Osiris both of whom represent rebirth. A heart scarab ensured that the heart did not betray its owner when weighed against the feather of truth. This ritual decided whether the dead person was fit to enter the Afterlife.