Egyptian Mythology

Apep

Apep (also known as Apepi, Aapep, Apophis, or Ⲁⲫⲱⲫ in Coptic, and Ἄποφις in Greek) is one of the most ancient and fearsome figures in Egyptian mythology. Apep was considered the embodiment of chaos (Isfet) and a malevolent force, constantly battling the gods, especially the sun god Ra, to plunge the world into darkness and disorder. Apep’s association with darkness, destruction, and chaos made him the greatest adversary of the cosmic order (Ma’at) in ancient Egyptian beliefs.

Read more >

Ammit

Ammit, also known as the Devourer of the Dead, is a fascinating and fearsome creature from ancient Egyptian mythology. She plays a significant role in the Egyptian afterlife judgment process, where the fate of the deceased’s soul is decided. Ammit is depicted as a hybrid monster with the head of a crocodile, the forequarters of a lion or leopard, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. These three animals were among the most dangerous in ancient Egypt, emphasizing Ammit’s role as a terrifying force of destruction.

Read more >

Introduction to Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian mythology refers to the body of myths, deities, and rituals that were central to the religion of ancient Egypt. These stories were used to explain natural phenomena, the creation of the world, and the role of gods in human affairs. The mythology was passed down through religious texts, temple inscriptions, and oral traditions, shaping the belief system of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations.

Key Texts

TextDescription
The Pyramid TextsOne of the oldest religious texts, inscribed on the walls of pyramids, these texts contain spells meant to guide the pharaoh’s soul to the afterlife.
The Coffin TextsA collection of spells written on coffins during the Middle Kingdom, these were designed to help the dead navigate the underworld.
The Book of the DeadA guide for the deceased to pass safely through the dangers of the afterlife and reach the field of reeds, where they could live in peace. It contains prayers, spells, and instructions.
The Book of CavernsA text that describes the journey of the sun god Ra through the underworld, where he encounters gods, demons, and the souls of the dead.

Important Characters

CharacterDescription
Ra (Re)The sun god and one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. Ra was believed to sail across the sky during the day and travel through the underworld at night.
OsirisThe god of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility. Osiris was killed by his brother Seth and resurrected by his wife, Isis, becoming the ruler of the underworld.
IsisA goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility, Isis was the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. She was known for her ability to heal and protect the living and the dead.
HorusThe god of the sky and kingship, often depicted as a falcon. Horus avenged the death of his father, Osiris, by defeating Seth, symbolizing the rightful succession of kings.
Seth (Set)The god of chaos, deserts, and storms. Seth killed his brother Osiris and was eventually defeated by Horus in a mythic battle between order and chaos.
AnubisThe god of mummification and the dead, Anubis was responsible for guiding souls into the afterlife and weighing their hearts against the feather of Ma’at to determine their fate.

Significant Places

  • The Duat: The Egyptian underworld, a place where souls of the deceased would journey after death. The Duat was filled with challenges, gods, and demons, and it was here that the soul would be judged.
  • Heliopolis: One of the most significant religious centers in ancient Egypt, Heliopolis was dedicated to the worship of Ra and the Ennead, a group of nine deities central to Egyptian creation myths.
  • Abydos: A major cult center for the worship of Osiris. It was believed that Osiris’s tomb was located in Abydos, and the city was a key pilgrimage site for those wishing to connect with the afterlife.
  • The Field of Reeds: A paradise in the afterlife where worthy souls were believed to live in peace and abundance, much like life on earth but without suffering or death.

Mythical Creatures

CreatureDescription
Apep (Apophis)A serpent deity representing chaos and destruction, Apep was the enemy of Ra, constantly attempting to prevent the sun god’s journey through the underworld.
AmmitA fearsome creature with the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. Ammit devoured the hearts of those deemed unworthy during judgment in the afterlife.
BenbenThe primordial mound that arose from the waters of chaos in the creation myth. It is often associated with the phoenix, which represented resurrection and renewal.
BennuA bird linked to Ra and creation, the Bennu was believed to symbolize the concept of rebirth and was associated with the cyclical nature of life.
UraeusThe protective cobra deity that was often depicted on the crowns of pharaohs. It represented the divine authority of the king and was believed to protect Egypt from enemies.

Mythological Themes

  • Creation and Order: Many Egyptian myths revolve around the creation of the world from chaos, particularly through the actions of gods like Atum, Ra, and Ptah. The balance between order and chaos is a recurring theme.
  • Resurrection and the Afterlife: The story of Osiris and his resurrection by Isis became central to Egyptian views on life after death. Egyptian mythology places great importance on the afterlife, with elaborate burial practices designed to ensure a safe journey for the soul.
  • Divine Kingship: The pharaoh was considered a living god, a direct link between the divine and the human. Many myths supported the idea of the pharaoh as the rightful ruler, descended from the gods, particularly Horus.
  • Judgment and Morality: The concept of Ma’at, or truth and justice, was critical to Egyptian mythology. Souls were judged in the afterlife, and those who upheld Ma’at during their lives were rewarded with eternal peace in the Field of Reeds.