Mummy
Mummy · The Bandaged Dead — A Cursed Corpse Guarding the Tomb
An undead — an embalmed, bandage-wrapped ancient corpse brought back. Usually the mummy of an Egyptian pharaoh or priest, it lays a curse on those who violate its tomb and grave goods. Slow but relentless in pursuit, it commands sand, insects, and plague. Its image was fixed by the 'curse of Tutankhamun' legend and classic horror films.
Origin
Derived from ancient Egyptian mummification and belief in resurrection after death. The 20th-century excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb, reports of the 'pharaoh's curse,' and the classic Mummy horror films established the image of a revived, vengeful mummy.
Features
- An embalmed, bandage-wrapped corpse
- A curse upon tomb and grave-goods intruders
- Slow but unstoppable pursuit
- Commands sand, insects, and plague
Stories
Appears as an ancient curse, an avenger awakened by violated rest, and a guardian of the tomb. A staple of horror and adventure narratives dealing with tomb-robbing, sacrilege, and the retribution of history.
Weakness
Slow movement allows evasion, and its desiccated body is highly vulnerable to fire. Destroying the source of the curse (an amulet, heart-jar, etc.) lets it rest.