Egyptian mythology

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Nun Raises the Sun

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Sunrise at Creation

Hermitage Egyptian statuettes

Egyptian mythology is the collection of myths from ancient Egypt, which describe the actions of the Egyptian gods as a means to understand the cosmos. Mythology was at the heart of everyday life in ancient Egypt, influencing culture, politics, and society. Its narratives were deeply intertwined with the practice of religion and the structure of pharaonic government, providing a framework through which the Egyptians understood the world around them.

Origins and Development

Egyptian mythology developed from the prehistoric religions of the Nile Valley, which date back to the Stone Age. The mythology evolved over time, absorbing influences from neighboring cultures and adapting to the changing socio-political landscapes of Egypt. By the time of the Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE), the essential elements of Egyptian mythology were already established.

Deities

The pantheon of Egyptian gods was vast and varied, with deities responsible for every aspect of the natural world and human society. Major gods included Ra, the sun god; Isis, the goddess of magic and motherhood; Osiris, the god of the afterlife and resurrection; and Horus, the sky god. These deities were believed to interact with and intervene in the lives of the Egyptians, requiring worship and offerings.

Mythological Themes

Central themes in Egyptian mythology include ma'at (the cosmic order), the cycle of life and death, and the journey through the underworld. Myths often depicted the struggle between order and chaos, embodied by the conflict between Horus and Seth, the god of disorder. The mythology also emphasized the importance of the pharaoh, who was seen as a mediator between the gods and humans.

Cosmology

Egyptian cosmology was characterized by a unique understanding of the universe. The Egyptians envisioned the Earth as a flat disc, with the Duat (the underworld) below and the heavens above. The sun god Ra was believed to travel through the sky by day and the underworld by night, symbolizing the cycle of death and rebirth.

Afterlife

Beliefs about the afterlife were a central aspect of Egyptian mythology. The Egyptians believed that the soul, or ka, could live on after death if the deceased was properly mummified and equipped with spells from the Book of the Dead. The journey through the underworld was fraught with dangers, but successful navigation would lead to a reunion with Osiris in the Field of Reeds, a paradisiacal version of Egypt.

Cultural Impact

Egyptian mythology has had a lasting impact on later cultures and religions. Elements of these myths can be seen in Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern mythologies. The fascination with Egyptian mythology has persisted into the modern era, influencing literature, art, and popular culture.

See Also

• Ancient Egyptian religion
• List of Egyptian gods and goddesses
• Egyptian creation myths
• Mythology of the Near East