The ancient Pharaohs believed they could continue their existence after death. They expected to be judged by Osiris and be granted eternal life in paradise. To achieve this goal they would have to pass through many trials and dangers. Once you made it to the court of Osiris you had to behave appropriately. Another option for a Pharaoh in the afterlife was to join the sun god Ra in the boat that he uses to sail across the sky. Various methods could be used to fly up to join the sun god. One could transform into a vulture, ride on a vulture's back, climb up a ladder or even be lifted up to the sky by a whirlwind.