cosmology is a vast tapestry interwoven with complex myths and deities, offering rich insights into their understanding of creation and existence. Central to these beliefs is the diverse pantheon that personifies both the natural and supernatural worlds. The Egyptians envisioned the universe emerging from a primordial ocean called Nun. From this watery chaos arose Atum, the self-created god, who played a pivotal role in generating other deities, including Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture). These deities contributed to the creation of the world by delineating the sky and earth. Another significant narrative involves the god Ptah, who spoke the world into existence, illustrating the power of words and divine intention. The Ogdoad, a collection of eight primordial deities, further complicates the Egyptian tableau of creation with their pairs symbolizing chaos.
In the beginning, “Nu, or emptiness as some translate it, is a mass that has not yet been formed and within it are the latent seeds of life. The sun, that is, the god Ra, is born from the god Nun in an unknown way, and the latter declares himself ruler of the universe. But Nun’s role does not stop there, but rather hides at the borders of The living world is composed of enormous negative energy that threatens to sweep the world and is a permanent remnant for lost, tormented souls, the dead who did not receive appropriate religious rituals, or children who were born dead. After the god Ra, represented by the sun, took over the rule of the universe, he sent his golden rays to the earth, so that the waves covering it began to recede, as the waters completely covered the earth, and the rays descended on the first hill of sand – the eternal hill – on the surface of the earth, so that the rays took on material dimensions, forming a high stone Known as Ben Ben in the city of On, he later became an object of veneration in all of Egypt because it was the cradle of creation. These rays carried the divine substance of the god Ra, which united sexually with itself to give birth to the second generation of gods
This exploration of Egyptian cosmology is absolutely fascinating! I love how the narrative weaves together the interplay of chaos and creation, highlighting the profound symbolism in their myths. The imagery of the primordial ocean (Nun) and the emergence of the Benben stone is particularly striking—it speaks to the Egyptians’ deep connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The role of divine intention, especially with Ptah “speaking” the world into existence, also resonates deeply. It’s amazing how these ancient stories continue to offer insights into the human quest for understanding the origins of existence. Thank you for sharing this intricate tapestry of beliefs!
Leave a Reply to noga noga Cancel reply