The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb
Psychic Predictions and the Mystery Unraveled
The Curse of King Tut’s Tomb became famous not only for the mysterious deaths linked to the tomb’s discovery but also for the many psychic predictions and legends that followed. Since Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun’s burial chamber in 1922, reports of supernatural warnings and psychic foretellings—about dire consequences for those who entered—have captured public fascination.
Psychics and spiritualists claimed to sense a powerful curse, and many predicted danger would befall those associated with the tomb. Stories of early deaths among archaeologists added fuel to the belief that a supernatural force was at work.
Interest in Tutankhamun’s tomb and its so-called curse continues, as people question whether these psychic predictions were mere coincidence, intuitive insights, or products of the imagination. The persistence of these tales shows how the unknown elements of ancient Egypt still hold a strong grip on modern curiosity.
The Discovery of King Tutankhamun’s Tomb
King Tutankhamun’s tomb was found in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, dramatically influencing the world’s view of ancient Egypt. Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon, and their team’s persistent efforts led to this significant discovery.
The Role of Howard Carter
Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, spent many years searching for evidence of Tutankhamun’s burial site. He was meticulous in his work, focusing on the Valley of the Kings, an area already rich with royal tombs. Carter convinced Lord Carnarvon to finance the excavation after previous attempts to locate the tomb had failed.
His expertise allowed him to survey overlooked areas. In November 1922, Carter’s patience paid off when his team uncovered a step that led to a sealed doorway. Using scientific methods of the time, Carter carefully catalogued and preserved the findings. His commitment to documenting every detail preserved the artifacts for future study.
Carter’s reputation grew rapidly after the discovery. He continued overseeing the lengthy process of cataloguing and conserving thousands of artifacts from the tomb. His careful approach remains a model in archaeology today.
Lord Carnarvon’s Involvement
Lord Carnarvon was an English aristocrat and passionate supporter of Egyptology. He provided critical funding for Carter’s search, which had stalled due to financial difficulties. Without Carnarvon’s backing, the project might have ended before the discovery was made.
Carnarvon traveled frequently from Britain to Egypt, closely following the dig’s progress. When Carter found the first signs of the tomb, Carnarvon was summoned to the site. He was among the first to peer into the tomb’s interior with Carter in November 1922.
His partnership with Carter shaped the expedition’s legacy. Shortly after entering the tomb, Carnarvon died from an infected mosquito bite in April 1923, which led to stories about the "curse" of the pharaoh. This colorful narrative contributed to lasting fascination with the tomb discovery.
The Valley of the Kings Excavation
The Valley of the Kings was the chosen burial ground for New Kingdom Egyptian pharaohs, situated near modern Luxor. Archaeologists had already explored it thoroughly by the early 20th century. Yet, King Tutankhamun’s tomb remained hidden beneath rubble and debris.
Carter’s team systematically cleared debris layer by layer. They worked under challenging conditions, documenting all findings with precise records and photographs. When they finally revealed the entrance, the tomb proved almost intact, containing thousands of artifacts and Tutankhamun’s mummy.
The scale and richness of the find set it apart from prior discoveries. The artifacts, including the iconic gold funerary mask, offered unprecedented insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices and royal life. The Valley of the Kings excavation became a landmark in the study of both ancient history and Egyptology.
Origins and Spread of the Curse Legend
Belief in the so-called “Curse of the Pharaohs” became a worldwide sensation in the early 20th century, fueled by real events, public imagination, and sensational media coverage. The origins of the curse narrative can be traced to older Egyptian myths, the influence of popular writers, and the unexpected death of a notable figure connected to the tomb.
Curse of the Pharaohs Mythos
The idea of curses connected to ancient Egyptian tombs did not start with Tutankhamun’s discovery. Ancient Egyptians sometimes inscribed warnings outside tombs, meant to deter grave robbers and preserve the sanctity of the burial. Warnings often referenced spiritual retribution for those who violated the tomb, while physical threats were rare.
By the time of the early 1900s, the myth had evolved. Western fascination with Egypt—sparked by finds like the Great Pyramid and iconic artifacts such as Tutankhamun's death mask—added mystical overtones to these stories. Popular media began to associate any mishaps or misfortunes, including incidents of bad luck, with curses supposedly placed by ancient priests to protect the pharaoh’s rest.
Marie Corelli and Public Sensation
Marie Corelli, a well-known British novelist in the early 20th century, played a significant role in the public’s belief in tomb curses. In 1923, after the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb, Corelli wrote to newspapers, referencing ancient texts and her own writings to warn about the potential for tragedy following such discoveries.
Her statements gained attention and were published internationally, amplifying fears about the "curse." Corelli often mixed fact with fictional elements, creating vivid warnings about bad luck and retribution. This blend of mysticism and sensationalism strongly influenced the wider narrative and led to increased speculation about the legitimacy of the curse.
Death of Lord Carnarvon
Lord Carnarvon, the financial backer of the Tutankhamun expedition, died shortly after the tomb’s opening. He succumbed to an infected mosquito bite, which turned into blood poisoning, just a few months after the discovery in 1922. His death occurred in April 1923, further fueling rumors of a supernatural curse.
Media outlets connected his death directly to the “Curse of the Pharaohs,” despite most who entered the tomb living long lives. Headlines suggested a link between Carnarvon’s sudden illness and the warnings of writers like Corelli. This high-profile incident solidified the curse legend in the public imagination and spawned decades of stories about misfortune befalling those who defied ancient protections.
Psychic Predictions Surrounding King Tut’s Tomb
Exploration of King Tutankhamun’s tomb generated numerous psychic predictions, many of which became entwined with public fascination about curses, supernatural forces, and the mystical capabilities of certain individuals. Claims ranged from forewarnings about misfortune to attempts to communicate with ancient spirits for insight into the tomb’s secrets.
Notable Psychic Predictions
Several psychic forecasts were reported in the years leading up to and after the opening of King Tut’s tomb. One of the most cited predictions involved warnings of a dire fate befalling anyone who disturbed the pharaoh’s resting place, fueling speculation about a so-called curse.
Rumors persisted that some clairvoyants had divined the deaths or illnesses of key individuals involved in the tomb’s excavation. These predictions often appeared in newspapers and society columns, adding to public intrigue.
Psychics sometimes claimed visions of supernatural guardians or invisible forces surrounding the tomb. Such assertions shaped broader perceptions of ancient Egypt as a land with powerful, lingering occult energies.
Role of Mediums and Channeling
Mediums played a visible role during the early 20th-century Egyptology craze. Some claimed to have contacted ancient spirits, including that of King Tutankhamun himself, through séances and trance communications.
In these sessions, mediums often produced messages allegedly from the pharaoh or his priests. They reported warnings, predictions of calamity, and advice regarding the handling of the tomb's contents.
A few well-known mediums were consulted by members of the excavation team. Their statements were sometimes publicized, lending credibility to the idea that supernatural communication could reveal hidden dangers or lost knowledge buried with the king.
Contributions of Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, well-known for creating Sherlock Holmes and for his interest in Spiritualism, became an influential public figure discussing the curse and psychic matters linked to the tomb. He speculated that the deaths of several expedition members might be due to “elementals” or supernatural guardians awakened by the disturbance.
Doyle suggested that psychic abilities and sensitivity to occult forces made some individuals more vulnerable to psychic harm. He often referenced mediums’ reports and promoted the idea that spiritual intervention was involved.
His stature and frequent public comments amplified the belief that King Tut’s tomb was enmeshed in psychic phenomena and the occult. As such, Doyle’s views contributed significantly to the enduring mystique surrounding the tomb.
Extrasensory Perception and Mind Reading
Speculation about extrasensory perception (ESP) and mind reading surfaced as some researchers and writers explored whether psychics could uncover details about the tomb that were not accessible through normal means. ESP experiments sought to test whether individuals could sense hidden dangers or locate lost artifacts within the tomb complex.
Some accounts described mind readers attempting to extract thoughts or memories from living descendants or from “spiritual echoes” tied to the tomb. Interest grew in whether psychometry—reading the history of an object through touch—could provide insights into the lives of King Tut and those buried with him.
While scientific proof of these abilities has remained elusive, the association of ESP and mind reading with King Tut’s tomb became a recurring part of popular culture and occult discussions surrounding the pharaoh’s legacy.
Metaphysical Interpretations and Occult Practices
Ancient Egyptian beliefs around King Tutankhamun’s tomb reflect complex metaphysical principles and occult traditions. The rituals, protective objects, and esoteric arts found within these traditions shaped spiritual interpretations of the so-called “curse.”
Rituals and Ceremonies
Priests in Egypt performed elaborate rituals to guard royal tombs against both seen and unseen dangers. These ceremonies often included recitations from sacred texts, such as the Book of the Dead, and offerings meant to appease deities and spirits.
Ritual acts sometimes involved symbolic actions using objects, incense, and carefully selected words. Execration rituals, where the names of enemies were inscribed and destroyed, aimed to transfer curses onto would-be tomb violators. In the context of Tutankhamun, it is believed that similar metaphysical practices were meant to bind protective spirits to the site.
Some modern occult traditions have adapted these practices, emphasizing the importance of ceremonial precision and invoking ancient gods like Thoth—regarded as the lord of wisdom and magic—in ritual work relating to curses or blessings.
Talismans, Amulets, and Semiprecious Stones
King Tut’s burial included numerous talismans and amulets, each crafted for a specific protective function. Among the most notable were scarabs, the Eye of Horus, and amulets inscribed with spells or sacred geometry.
The materials used in these items held significance. For example:
Stone Traditional Meaning Carnelian Vitality, protection in afterlife Lapis lazuli Royalty, communication with gods Turquoise Healing, safeguarding travelers
Wearing or placing such objects near the body was thought to provide magical defense. These amulets were sometimes activated through spoken spells or prayers, connecting the user with divine protection in both life and the afterlife.
Alchemy, Astrology, and Divination
Occult scholars frequently explore how alchemy, astrology, and divination intersected with ancient Egyptian magical practices. Alchemy sought to transform not only materials but also the soul, reflecting the Egyptians’ pursuit of immortality through spiritual refinement.
Astrologers in Egypt observed planetary movements and star patterns, using them to select auspicious times for rituals and tomb construction. This practice aligned cosmic forces in favor of the deceased.
Divination, performed through casting lots or interpreting dreams, guided both the living and the dead. The god Thoth, associated with wisdom, writing, and the moon, was invoked in magical texts to support accurate prophecy and successful ritual proceedings. These metaphysical sciences were central to both protective strategies and the transmission of supposed curses.
Scientific Evidence Vs. Supernatural Claims
Scientific studies and historical records provide a wide range of explanations for the supposed curse linked to King Tutankhamun’s tomb. While supernatural claims have fascinated the public, researchers have focused on infection, health factors, and the analysis of actual events.
Infection, Health Issues, and Rational Explanations
Some deaths of those present at the tomb’s opening have been attributed to infections and health complications rather than mystical forces. Microbiologists and medical historians have suggested that tombs sealed for centuries could harbor dangerous mold or bacteria, including Aspergillus and other species known to cause respiratory illness.
Coroners’ reports indicate that Lord Carnarvon, the expedition’s sponsor, died of blood poisoning possibly made worse by a mosquito bite. Other team members lived for decades after the tomb was opened, undermining claims of a “curse.” A breakdown of the main causes of death among individuals involved follows:
Name Cause of Death Years After Discovery Lord Carnarvon Blood poisoning, infection 1923 (1 year) Howard Carter Natural causes (lymphoma) 1939 (17 years) Arthur Mace Pneumonia, health issues 1928 (6 years)
Such evidence suggests that health risks and coincidence played larger roles than supernatural phenomena.
Investigations by British Archaeologists
British archaeologists took a critical, methodical approach when reviewing the supposed curse. Many of them kept detailed records, catalogued deaths, and studied the timeline of events after the tomb’s discovery.
An analysis by these professionals revealed no statistical spike in early deaths among the excavation team compared to the general population. Researchers emphasized the importance of objective observation and dismissed psychic predictions as lacking in evidence.
Perceptions of the curse were often fueled by sensational media reports rather than scientific facts. Experts noted that most people associated with the tomb experienced normal life spans, challenging the belief in a curse through documented case studies and mortality tables.
Symbolism and Artifacts of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Tutankhamun’s tomb is renowned for its wealth of symbols and objects that illustrate the beliefs and craftsmanship of ancient Egypt. The artifacts found with the pharaoh reflect not only ritual significance but also the advanced techniques used in their creation.
Materials: Gold, Silver, Wood, Clay, and Objects
The tomb contained artifacts made from a wide array of materials. Gold was the most prized, covering coffins, shrines, jewelry, and ceremonial weapons. The use of gold symbolized eternity and the divine nature of the pharaoh.
Silver was less common but appeared in decorative inlays and small amulets. Wood formed the structure of many items, such as chests, furniture, and the outer coffins, typically coated or inlaid with gold and colored glass.
Clay was used for pottery, shabti figurines, and sealing jars. Other objects included alabaster vessels, faience beads, and everyday goods to accompany the king into the afterlife.
Material Common Uses Symbolic Role Gold Coffins, Masks, Jewelry Divine, eternal power Silver Amulets, Inlays Preciousness, purity Wood Furniture, Coffins Practical, ritual support Clay Pottery, Figurines Daily life, protection
The Iconic Death Mask
The death mask of Tutankhamun is made primarily of gold inlaid with colored glass, lapis lazuli, and semi-precious stones. It weighs over 10 kilograms and is crafted to resemble the young king’s features with careful detail.
The mask is both an artistic masterpiece and a potent symbol. It ensured the pharaoh’s face would be recognizable in the afterlife. The mask includes engraved inscriptions from protective spells and imagery associated with Egyptian gods, including depictions of the vulture and cobra, representing Upper and Lower Egypt.
This artifact is perhaps the most famous symbol of ancient Egyptian burial practices. Its combination of materials and iconography speaks to beliefs in spiritual protection and the eternal nature of the pharaoh’s soul.
Book of the Dead and Egyptian Spirits
Scrolls and fragments of the "Book of the Dead" were discovered in the tomb. These texts consist of spells and instructions meant to guide Tutankhamun’s spirit through the challenges of the underworld.
The images and writings illustrate spirits, gods, and the many obstacles a pharaoh would face after death. Sections of the Book emphasize the need for ritual knowledge and moral purity to reach eternal life.
Amulets and statues throughout the tomb also reference Egyptian spirits and deities. Together with the funerary texts, these items reflect a detailed vision of the afterlife, where magical rites and spiritual beings played a central role in protecting the king’s soul.
Spiritual Beliefs and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian society placed deep trust in unseen forces shaping both life and death. Their afterlife traditions, religious rituals, and the roles of powerful deities reveal a complex view of existence beyond the physical world.
Faith and Metaphysics
Ancient Egyptians believed the soul comprised several parts, including the ka (life force), ba (personality), and akh (spirit). Life on earth was seen as a temporary phase; the true journey began after death.
Rituals, spells, and tomb inscriptions aimed to guide the dead safely through the underworld. Texts such as the Book of the Dead offered detailed instructions for navigating spiritual challenges. Faith in these practices was widespread and intertwined with everyday life.
Death was not an end but a transformation. Egyptians expected to join the gods and continue existence in the Field of Reeds, a paradise mirroring the best elements of earthly life.
Key Elements Description Ka Life force, remained in tomb Ba Personality, could leave the tomb Akh The transformed spirit
Powers and Energies in the Spiritual World
The Egyptians saw the universe as filled with invisible powers and energies. They believed that these unseen forces influenced both fortune and disaster in the physical world. Amulets, magic bricks, and spells were designed to control or placate these energies.
Priests performed ceremonies to activate and direct spiritual energies. For example, spells carved into tomb walls functioned as protection for the soul against dangers in the afterlife.
Curses and blessings were two sides of the same coin. Both relied on the belief that spoken or written words could affect reality. Many tombs, including King Tut’s, bore warnings intended to deter intruders with these energies.
Egyptian Gods: Anubis and Thoth
Anubis and Thoth were critical to the journey after death. Anubis, depicted as a jackal-headed god, was responsible for embalming and guiding souls through the underworld. He presided over the weighing of the heart ceremony.
Thoth, shown with the head of an ibis, was the god of wisdom and writing. He recorded the results of the heart-weighing and ensured justice was served. Without Thoth’s accurate record, the soul could not proceed to a blessed afterlife.
Together, Anubis and Thoth maintained balance and order in the spiritual realm. Their roles highlight the importance of ritual accuracy and truth in Egyptian mortuary practices.
Historical Figures Connected to King Tutankhamun
King Tutankhamun was part of a remarkable historical era, surrounded by influential individuals whose actions shaped Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Their lives and legacies continue to inform modern understanding of royal succession, religious transitions, and the spread of cultural ideas.
Pharaoh Akhenaten and Dynasty
Akhenaten, known as the “heretic king,” was Tutankhamun’s probable father and a transformative figure in Egyptian history. He initiated a dramatic religious revolution, temporarily replacing Egypt's polytheistic traditions with worship focused almost entirely on the sun god Aten.
This change unsettled the political and religious landscape. It weakened the power of the established priesthood and disrupted long-standing traditions, eventually causing instability.
The dynasty’s radical shift was largely reversed during Tutankhamun’s reign, as royal authority worked to restore old gods and address the unrest Akhenaten’s reforms had caused. Understanding the direct familial and policy-linked relationship between Akhenaten and Tutankhamun helps explain many of the young king’s decisions, including his restoration efforts.
Queen Nefertiti and Queens’ Influence
Queen Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s chief consort, was renowned for her intelligence, power, and distinctive beauty. She played an active part in both religious and political affairs, sometimes depicted in roles similar to a co-regent rather than merely a royal consort.
Nefertiti’s exact relationship to Tutankhamun is debated. Some theories suggest she may have been either his stepmother or his biological mother, depending on ongoing research and new discoveries.
The influence of queens in the 18th Dynasty was substantial. Records and artistic depictions demonstrate that royal women could wield significant authority, participate in diplomacy, and ensure the continuity of the royal line. This legacy of powerful queens continued to shape court life during and after Tutankhamun’s reign.
Influence on Later Middle Eastern Beliefs
The reigns of Akhenaten and Tutankhamun coincided with a period of significant religious experimentation. Akhenaten’s monotheistic focus on Aten is considered by some scholars to be a rare instance of early monotheism in the ancient Middle East.
Although the traditional Egyptian pantheon was restored after Akhenaten’s death, the legacy of such reforms sparked discussions about religious authority and kingship throughout the region.
Cultural and religious trends from this period traveled along established trade routes, influencing neighboring societies. Tutankhamun’s return to the old gods contributed to the stabilization of Egypt but also demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of Egyptian beliefs in the broader Middle Eastern context.
Psychological and Social Impacts of the Curse
Belief in the Curse of King Tut’s Tomb has led to strong emotional reactions and notable effects on communities and individuals. These impacts have ranged from changes in public attitudes to shifts in personal behavior and mental health.
Public Perceptions and Widespread Fear
The supposed curse quickly captured public attention after reports of mysterious deaths among those linked to the tomb’s discovery. Newspapers fueled fear and speculation, often suggesting supernatural causes involving ghosts or ancient retribution.
Widespread fascination led to increased anxiety about archaeological digs and unease regarding ancient Egyptian sites. This was especially evident in the years following Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery.
For some, the curse symbolized the unpredictable dangers of disturbing the past. Many avoided contact with similar finds, and exhibitions of Egyptian artifacts sometimes encountered hesitancy or heightened interest fueled by fear.
Effects on Personal Relationships and Society
Close associations with the curse strained personal relationships among archaeologists and their families. Relatives of those involved reported experiencing stress, worry, and, in some cases, social isolation due to public scrutiny and superstitions.
Rumors of hauntings and supernatural events caused divisions in professional circles. Some scholars distanced themselves from expeditions, fearing reputational damage or direct harm.
Within communities, the curse influenced how people viewed both archaeology and science. While some became skeptical of the supernatural, others adopted new beliefs or rituals aimed at protection, such as the use of charms or expressions of gratitude toward ancient spirits.
Gratitude, Depression, and Other Emotions
Feelings associated with the curse varied widely. Some individuals experienced gratitude, believing any misfortune was avoided due to respectful actions toward the tomb or through ritual acknowledgments.
Conversely, those indirectly affected often faced depression or anxiety, especially as sudden deaths and accidents were attributed to the curse. This added pressure on individuals already dealing with loss or professional challenges.
Curiosity about life after death and ancient ghosts surfaced in private and public discussions. For some, this led to existential reflection, while others became preoccupied with the potential for supernatural consequences following interactions with the tomb.
Broader Legacy of King Tut’s Tomb and the Curse
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the story of the “curse of the pharaohs” quickly left a mark on both entertainment and academic communities. These influences shaped attitudes toward ancient history, occult beliefs, and modern archaeological practice.
Popular Culture and Influence on the Occult
Popular media helped fuel public fascination with Tutankhamun’s tomb and its supposed curse. News coverage in the 1920s sensationalized several sudden deaths linked to the tomb’s discovery. Fictional works, such as movies, novels, and comics, often referenced the “curse of the pharaohs,” expanding its reach.
The myth of the curse influenced occult circles, inspiring séances and psychic readings focusing on ancient Egypt. King Tut became a symbol often used in rituals and artwork linked to mysticism or esotericism. The association between the tomb, curses, and the supernatural remains a frequent theme in television and film, both fictional and documentary.
Impact on Archaeology and Tourism
The curse legend directly affected archaeological fieldwork in Egypt. Media coverage led to increased security and policy changes at excavation sites to protect against looting and vandalism. The sudden spotlight on Tutankhamun’s tomb increased funding for Egyptian archaeology and drew attention to issues around artifact preservation.
Tourism in Egypt surged following the discovery, with the Valley of the Kings becoming a major attraction. The tomb of Tutankhamun, its treasures, and the associated myths drew millions, making ancient history accessible to a global audience. Guides and museums often include references to the “curse” in their presentations, blending entertainment with educational content.
Religious and Mythological Links
Connections between the legend of King Tut’s curse and broader religious or mythological themes have intrigued historians and researchers. This relationship involves direct references to key ancient texts, significant artifacts, and notable historical figures.
Jewish Religion and the Ark
The Jewish religion often references sacred relics, with the Ark of the Covenant being central. Some have drawn symbolic comparisons between the Ark and Egyptian burial practices, including those found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The Ark, believed to contain the stone tablets of Moses, was associated with divine power and warnings of misfortune for those who mishandled it. In several biblical accounts, unauthorized contact with the Ark resulted in death, a parallel sometimes made to the supposed "curse" linked with disturbing King Tut's tomb.
Both the Ark and royal Egyptian tombs serve as protected spaces for important religious items or individuals. These narratives reinforce themes of sanctity and retribution, while reflecting ancient Israelite traditions and Egypt’s beliefs about the afterlife.
Great Flood and Flavius Josephus
References to the Great Flood are present in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, discussed the flood and its connection to ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Israel.
Josephus analyzed how the Egyptian and Hebrew narratives about cataclysmic floods could be seen as evidence of shared mythological roots. He compared the biblical account of Noah’s Ark to similar stories in Egyptian culture, suggesting cross-influences in how ancient peoples viewed divine warning.
This connection between legendary natural disasters and sacred relics highlights a tradition where historical events, myth, and religious law merge. Such comparisons help explain how stories like King Tut’s curse became widespread, rooted in longstanding traditions of awe and caution toward the sacred.
Conclusion
The story of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and its supposed curse has captured public imagination for decades. Reports of sudden deaths among tomb discoverers fueled beliefs in supernatural retribution, even though no scientific evidence supports a real curse.
Psychic predictions about the curse often emerged after the tomb’s discovery, drawing from existing fears and legends. Some claims referenced warnings inscribed at the tomb, but historical records show no such inscriptions were found.
Many experts point to natural causes such as infections or pre-existing health conditions to explain the deaths. Studies examining the longevity of those involved in the tomb’s opening reveal that most lived normal lifespans.
Key Points:
No archaeological evidence has confirmed the existence of a written curse in the tomb.
Most "curse" stories were popularized by newspapers and word of mouth, not by firsthand discovery.
Psychic predictions about doom or tragedy were not widely reported until after the events were publicized.
Belief in the curse persists as a cultural phenomenon, shaped more by media and myth than by historical fact. The intersection of psychic claims, folklore, and archaeology continues to influence how people view King Tutankhamun’s legacy.