The Group of Seven Deities in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the religion was polytheistic, meaning there were many gods and goddesses. Among these deities, the Group of Seven was considered significant as they were central to the creation myth of the Egyptians. They were believed to have created the world and everything in it. The Group of Seven included Ra, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
The Sun God Ra: The First Deity in the Group of Seven
Ra was the first deity of the Group of Seven. He was the god of the sun and was considered the most powerful among all the gods. The Egyptians believed that Ra rose in the east and set in the west each day, and that he traveled through the underworld at night. He was also believed to have created the world and all living things.
Shu: The God of Air and Atmosphere
Shu was the god of air and atmosphere and was the second god in the Group of Seven. He was considered the god of life and was believed to separate the sky from the earth. Shu was often depicted as a man holding up the sky and was associated with power and strength.
Tefnut: The Goddess of Moisture and Dew
Tefnut was the third goddess in the Group of Seven and was the goddess of moisture and dew. She was associated with fertility and was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness. Tefnut was believed to create the morning dew that nourished the plants and crops.
Geb: The God of Earth and Vegetation
Geb was the god of earth and vegetation and was the fourth god in the Group of Seven. He was associated with fertility and was often depicted as a man lying down with plants growing out of his body. Geb was believed to give life to plants and crops.
Nut: The Goddess of the Sky and Stars
Nut was the goddess of the sky and stars and was the fifth goddess in the Group of Seven. She was often depicted as a woman arching over the earth, with stars on her body. Nut was believed to swallow the sun at night and give birth to it each morning.
Osiris: The God of the Afterlife and Fertility
Osiris was the god of the afterlife and fertility and was the sixth god in the Group of Seven. He was associated with resurrection and was often depicted as a mummified man. Osiris was believed to judge the souls of the dead and grant them eternal life.
Isis: The Goddess of Motherhood and Magic
Isis was the goddess of motherhood and magic and was the seventh goddess in the Group of Seven. She was associated with healing and was often depicted as a woman with a throne on her head. Isis was believed to have had magical powers and was a protector of women and children.
Horus: The God of Kingship and the Sky
Horus was not originally a part of the Group of Seven but was later added as the eighth god. He was the god of kingship and the sky and was often depicted as a falcon. Horus was associated with power and protection, and was believed to have defeated the god Set to avenge his father’s death.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Group of Seven in Ancient Egypt
The Group of Seven was significant in ancient Egyptian religion as they were believed to have created the world and everything in it. They were also associated with fertility, life, and the afterlife. The Group of Seven was worshipped by the Egyptians for thousands of years and their myths and beliefs continue to influence modern-day culture.
References: Sources Used to Research the Group of Seven Deities
- "The Gods of Ancient Egypt." The British Museum, www.britishmuseum.org/learn/cultures/africa/ancient-egypt/gods.
- "Egyptian Gods and Goddesses." National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2020/03-04/egyptian-gods-and-goddesses/.
Further Reading: Additional Resources on Ancient Egyptian Religion
- Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2003.
- Pinch, Geraldine. Handbook of Egyptian Mythology. ABC-CLIO, 2002.
- Oakes, Lorna, and Lucia Gahlin. Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Reference to the Myths, Religions, Pyramids and Temples of the Land of the Pharaohs. Hermes House, 2006.
