What does "Sheut" refer to in Egyptian belief?

In Egyptian belief, "Sheut" refers specifically to the physical body. It represents the tangible, mortal aspect of a person, as opposed to the spiritual elements which are encapsulated in other concepts. The ancient Egyptians had a complex understanding of the human being consisting of various parts, with "Sheut" indicating the material body that exists in the physical world. Understanding this, "Sheut" played an essential role in their beliefs surrounding death, the afterlife, and mummification, as they believed that preserving the physical body was crucial for the individual's journey in the afterlife.

The concept of an alter ego, guardian spirit, or fear does not accurately capture the specific meaning and significance of "Sheut." Each of these alternatives refers to different aspects of Egyptian spiritual or social beliefs, but none coincide with the defined role of "Sheut" as the physical body.