Amun and Amunet—The Hidden Ones
Central to the pantheon of ancient Egypt were the gods Amun and Amunet, two deities shrouded in mystery and revered for their profound influence. In this blog post, we will delve into the mythology surrounding these enigmatic figures, exploring their origins, roles, and significance in ancient Egyptian religion, and how they inspired their fictional counterparts in my YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt.
Amun: The King of Gods
Amun, also known as Amon, Ammon, or Amen, originated as a local deity worshipped in the city of Thebes. His name, meaning "the Hidden One,” aptly reflects his mysterious nature. Amun's significance grew over time, especially during the New Kingdom period (c. 1570-1069 BCE), when he rose to become one of Egypt's most important gods.
Initially, Amun may have been part of the eight deities of the Hermopolite creation myth, but his influence expanded significantly by the reign of Mentuhotep I (2008–1957 BCE), eventually leading him to be revered as the king of gods.
Amun was closely associated with the sun and air, symbolizing life-giving forces. He was often depicted with two vertical plumes and occasionally represented as a ram. His epithets, such as “Father of the gods,” “Maker of men,” and “Lord of truth,” highlight his esteemed position in the Egyptian pantheon.
During the Egyptian New Kingdom, especially after the fall of Avaris and the reunification of Egypt by King Ahmose I, Amun transitioned into Amun-Ra, an amalgamating with the sun god Ra, thereby becoming a creator god. This fusion signified his role not just as the king of gods but also as a primordial force responsible for creation.
Amunet: The Hidden Goddess
Amunet, also spelled Amaunet, Amenet, or Amonet, meaning "the Hidden One(f.),” was a primordial goddess in ancient Egyptian religion. Much like Amun, she represented the unseen and the mysterious. Her major worship center was in Thebes, lasting through the Ptolemaic Kingdom until 30 BCE.
Amunet is often depicted as a figure of mystery and divine magic, embodying powerful aspects of feminine energy. As a primordial deity, Amunet was revered as a representation of the chaos-void that existed outside the boundaries of the seen world. Her importance was such that she, along with Amun, was among the few primeval gods who maintained prominence across several dynastic periods.
Originally part of the Hermopolitan Ogdoad, Amunet was the female version of Amun and in other interpretations his consort. It might have been a way for the ancients to symbolize “The Hidden One” as a being that transcends the human understanding of sex and gender.
Amun and Amunet in Treasures of Egypt
Major Spoiler Warning
Before reading this section, a major spoiler warning is in order! This part of the article reveals two of the biggest twists in "Treasures of Egypt." If you haven't read the book yet and wish to enjoy these surprises firsthand, I highly recommend that you read the novel first and return to this section afterward.
Cool? Cool!
In Treasures of Egypt, the story takes a turn away from history as it intertwines with the mythology of Amun and Amunet. The narrative reveals that Khafset, the secondary protagonist, is actually the hidden son of Astarte, the Canaanite goddess of love and war.
As the story unfolds, Khafset's destiny intertwines with the god Set, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Khafset loses his life. In a turn of events, Nefiri, the main protagonist, sacrifices half of her life to the goddess Isis in a desperate plea to bring Khafset back from the dead so he might return to his siblings.
Upon his resurrection, Khafset shares a profound experience: during his brief time in the afterlife, he heard the voice of Osiris calling him "Astarte's Amun," which translates to "Astarte's Hidden One." This moment serves as a pivotal point in the story, offering an in-world explanation for the meaning behind the origin of the god’s name.
The narrative takes another turn when Khafset, after his return to Egypt, refers to Nefiri as Horus's Hidden One. This designation stems from Horus's action of hiding Nefiri in Peramessu until she was ready to face his test, thus making her "The Hidden One" (Amunet).
Through these narrative choices, Treasures of Egypt offers a fictional origin story for the gods Amun and Amunet. The story explores the literal meanings behind the names of these deities, integrating them into the plot in a way that diverges from historical accounts. By the era of Ramesses II, Amun and Amunet were already established gods in the Egyptian pantheon. However, the novel takes creative liberties to reimagine their origins by offering a tale where a disgraced government official and an outcast thief rise to prominence in the divine hierarchy until they eventually rule the Egyptian pantheon.
The Significance of Amun and Amunet
Amun and Amunet, as central figures in ancient Egyptian religion, represent the duality of the visible and invisible forces of the universe. Their worship and veneration reflect the Egyptians' deep-seated belief in the power of the unseen and the mysterious. Amun, as the air we breathe and the sun that gives life, and Amunet, as the hidden aspects of reality, together embody the balance and harmony revered in Egyptian thought.
Their legacy continues to fascinate and inspire by offering insights into the complexities of ancient Egyptian mythology and religion. The stories of Amun and Amunet not only enrich our understanding of the past but also remind us of the timeless intrigue of the unseen forces that shape our world.
Remember to cast the spell of regular updates to be the first to know about new posts, novels, and get many behind-the-scenes exclusives. If you would like to meet Amun & Amunet in the realm of fiction, consider checking out my YA fantasy novel “Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.”
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