Ancient Egyptian Mythology - Creation

The Egyptian creation myth changed through the ages, first written on the ancient Pyramid texts and consequently recorded in a variety of areas for historians to uncover today. Although interpretations of ancient Egyptian creation myths differ by name, they share the same principle. The Egyptians, basing their mythology on the Nile River that supported their entire civilization, started their creation myth with Nu, or water. Nu, a fierce chaotic cauldron of water, gave rise to the Sun (known as Khepra in the dawn, Ra through the day, and Atem at dusk), which became the creator of the rest of the Gods and civilization. The Sun eventually became known as simply Ra, then later Amen-Ra.

Ra created two children, who in turn created two more. From Ra came Shu and Tefnut, the wind and rain. From Shu and Tefnut sprung Geb the earth and Nut the sky. Geb and Nut then created the primary gods of Egyptian mythology - Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys. Ra then proceeded to call everything into being, including Hapi, the Nile, and rule over Egypt as the first Pharaoh. When he rose to sky, Osiris took his place with Isis as his sister-queen and made Egypt glorious.

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The Dawn and Dusk of Man is a Thinkquest Mythology Project by Sheila, Min, Ana and Tencia of Montgomery Blair High School.