Table of Contents
Egyptian Mythology
Complex pantheon of gods and goddesses
Ancient Egyptians believed in a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, with some estimates putting the number at over 2,000. 1)
Ra
The most important god in ancient Egyptian religion was Ra, the sun god. Ra was believed to travel across the sky during the day and through the underworld at night. 2)
Osiris
Another important god was Osiris, the god of the afterlife. He was believed to judge the souls of the dead and determine whether they were worthy of entering the afterlife. 3)
Ma'at
Ancient Egyptians also believed in the goddess Ma'at, who represented truth, justice, and balance. She was often depicted with a feather in her hair. 4)
Isis
The goddess Isis was another important figure in ancient Egyptian mythology. She was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus, the god of the sky. 5)
Concept of death
The ancient Egyptians believed in a concept known as ka, which referred to a person's life force. It was believed that after death, a person's ka would continue to exist in the afterlife. 6)
Sacred animals
Ancient Egyptian mythology included many animal gods and goddesses, such as Anubis (the jackal-headed god of mummification) and Bastet (the cat goddess of fertility). 7)
Temples and pyramids
The ancient Egyptians built massive temples and pyramids to honor their gods. These structures were often adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. 8)
Pharaohs
The pharaohs were believed to be the embodiment of the god Horus, and they were responsible for maintaining Ma'at and protecting Egypt from chaos. 9)
Nile River
Ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile River was created from the tears of the goddess Isis. 10)
Book of the Dead
The Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and prayers designed to help the deceased navigate the afterlife, was a central text in ancient Egyptian religion. 11)
Scarabs
The scarab beetle was considered to be a symbol of rebirth and was often used in amulets and jewelry. 12)
Cyclical concept of time
The ancient Egyptians believed in a cyclical concept of time, with each day and year representing a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. 13)
Thoth
The god Thoth was associated with knowledge, writing, and wisdom, and was often depicted with the head of an ibis bird. 14)
World creation
The ancient Egyptians believed that the world was created by the god Atum, who emerged from the primeval waters of chaos to bring order to the universe. 15)