Egyptian Mythology

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22 Jan 2024

Egyptian Mythology 101: Myths, Gods, and More

Greetings. In this month's installment of our Mythology Files series, we will delve into Egyptian mythology. We will first explore the creation myths of Egyptian mythology and then delve into the significant gods within this mythology. Towards the end of the article, we will also look at what we can read to learn more about Egyptian mythology. Enjoy your reading.

Creation Myths in Egyptian Mythology

In the prominent cities of ancient Egypt, four different creation myths were believed in*. From this, we can suggest that Egypt, due to its geographical location, even experienced isolation within itself. In this part of the article, we will attempt to explain these four creation myths.

* You might come across sources mentioning four cities. However, the fourth city, due to believing in propaganda imposed by their pharaohs rather than a creation myth, is not included in this article.

Heliopolis, one of the most important cities in ancient Egypt, hosted two different myths. The first of these myths was Ogdoad. According to this myth, there were eight gods, four females and four males, who created the world. The females were associated with snakes, and the males were associated with frogs. Egyptians believed that these eight gods lived in the dark waters before the creation of the world. The chaos of the four frog gods and four snake goddesses, also known as the Heliopolitan octet, consisted of Nun and Naunet (water), Amun and Amaunet (invisibility), Heh and Hauhet (infinity), and Kek and Kauket (darkness). It was also believed that these eight gods and goddesses created the sun god Atum-Ra from Nun.

The other and more popular myth in this city was associated with the Ennead, which believed that the Egyptian gods originated from Nun. According to the myth, Nun was a powerful water source that existed before Egypt itself. This source was so potent that it brought forth light from darkness. This light later became Atum, becoming the most powerful being in the universe.

During ancient times, Egyptian mythology was intricately intertwined with the daily lives of the Egyptians. The Nile was a life source for them, and it shouldn't surprise you that they placed it at the center of their mythology and beliefs. Additionally, Egyptians believed in an afterlife. They would mummify their dead and bury them in elaborate tombs along with their belongings. To ensure these processes were done correctly, they wrote a funerary text known as the Book of the Dead. Death, in Egyptian mythology, held a significant place. It was believed that the creator god Atum died every night in the darkness and was reborn with the dawn.

Atum, the Creator God

Atum, one of the first gods, thus the essence of life, created everything from nothingness. According to the Pyramid Texts, Atum created Shu and Tefnut (air and water) through a masturbatory act. Theologically, this situation can be explained by the phrase "The creator's sole companion is itself." Later, Nut (earth) and Geb (sky) were born from Shu and Tefnut. Thus, the world was formed.

In this myth, there were nine essential gods. Known as the Heliopolitan Ennead, these gods were Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys.

Although Atum was the creator god in this myth, another god gained popularity in the city in later years. This god, known as Ra, was the sun god and shared many similarities with Atum.4 Locals merged these two gods, starting to refer to them as Atum-Ra. The reason we perceive Ra as the creator god in the Ennead myth in some books is primarily due to this.

Other Creation Myths

In another city, Memphis, it was believed that everything began with Ptah. According to them, Ptah was the first and greatest deity, and the world, life, gods, and the universe all originated from Ptah's thoughts. Ptah was also depicted in both female and male forms, possessing an androgynous nature.

Another creation myth popular in the city of Waset involved the god Amun. It was believed that Amun was the hidden divine force behind everything. To create the universe, Amun first brought forth the Ogdoad gods and then the Ennead gods. However, he concealed himself even from the gods he created. Later, he departed from Earth, no longer concerning himself with the happenings below.

Major Gods and Goddesses in Egyptian Mythology

The most important gods in Egyptian mythology include Sekhmet, Isis, Thoth, Hathor, Horus, Anubis, Amon-Ra, Osiris, and Mut. Let's briefly examine these deities.

Ra: One of the most well-known gods, Ra, is the sun god and is also recognized as the greatest and king of the gods. He is depicted with a sun disc around his head and portrayed as a falcon-headed deity. Ra is believed to have merged with many ancient Egyptian gods, with the most significant being Amon, creating Amon-Ra. The goddess equivalent of Ra is Amunet, and Ra's consort is a goddess named Mut, meaning "mother" in the Egyptian language. Mut wears a double crown representing Upper and Lower Egypt on her head in hieroglyphs and is symbolized by a vulture. Amon-Ra, his wife Mut, and their son, the moon god Khonsu, form Theban Triad.

Osiris: Considered the eldest child of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut, Osiris is the god of the afterlife. He is often depicted with green skin, symbolizing fertility, and is also associated with vegetation. Although killed by his brother Seth, Osiris is revived through the magic of his sister-wife Isis, and their union gives birth to Horus. As a falcon-headed god, Horus is known as the god of war, protection, and light. After avenging his father's death, Horus is proclaimed the new pharaoh of Egypt, while Osiris becomes the god of the underworld. He assists pharaohs and the Egyptian people in adapting to life after death.

Anubis: Preceding Osiris as the ruler of the underworld, Anubis is the child of Ra and Nephthys. Anubis is responsible for mummifying the deceased and guiding their spirits to the afterlife. His black skin symbolizes the fertile dark Nile beds. In hieroglyphs, Anubis is depicted as both male and female and takes the form of a jackal.

Thoth: Considered a self-created god, Thoth is a master of both physical and divine laws. Alongside the goddess Ma'at, he upholds the balance of the universe with his expertise in calculations. Egyptians regarded him as a writer of science, philosophy, and magic. Represented with the head of either an ibis or a baboon, Thoth is considered one of the most knowledgeable gods in ancient history. He is also known for counting time, even in the absence of the sun, making him the moon god.

Hathor: Ra's daughter, Hathor, is the goddess of music, dance, and assistance during childbirth. She is portrayed as compassionate, humble, and kind to both the living and the dead. Hathor is recognized as the Lady of Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Another daughter of Ra, Sekhmet, is the goddess of war. Leading pharaohs in battles and protecting them, Sekhmet is depicted as a lioness and is known for her fierce character.

Book Recommendations for Egyptian Mythology

1. Egyptian Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, and Myths of Ancient Egypt by Geraldine Pinch

Renowned Egyptologist Geraldine Pinch's book is one of the most important sources on Egyptian mythology. The author provides not only her interpretations of Egyptian myths but also explanations of Egyptian history and culture. This book offers a comprehensive perspective on Egyptian mythology.

2. The Book of the Dead in Egypt by Peter le Page Renouf

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text often written on papyrus and used since the beginning of the New Kingdom period. This book, written by Egyptologist Peter le Page Renouf, delves into the details of this ancient manuscript. Exploring the rich imagery of this text, the book is a must-have for those seeking a deep understanding of Ancient Egyptian beliefs.

3. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Kane Chronicles, a series by Rick Riordan, revolves around Julius Kane's son, Carter. The story begins with an explosion at the British Museum, leading to Julius Kane's disappearance. Carter discovers a connection to Egyptian gods as he tries to unravel the mystery behind his father's vanishing. Riordan's engaging narrative combines elements of mythology with a modern setting.