Atum: The Egyptian God of Creation
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atum_with_Double_Crown_(Pschent)_mirror.svg (Alteration has been made to the background. Original creator: FDRMRZUSA)
In the realm of ancient Egyptian mythology, the gods embody the elements and forces of nature that shaped the world as the Egyptians knew it. Among these divine figures, Atum stands out as a primordial entity, a god of creation, and a being older than existence itself. This blog post will show you the true history of the fictional version of Atum present in my fantasy novel “Treasures of Egypt.” Together we’ll go on a journey through the real-world mythology and legends surrounding Atum, exploring his origins and his lasting impact on Egyptian culture.
Atum: The Self-Created Deity
Atum, whose name is derived from the verb tm which means ‘to complete,’ is often referred to as the “complete one”. He is associated with the creation of the world and was initially worshipped as a local deity in the city of Heliopolis before his myth merged with that of the great sun god Ra. Atum’s role as the creator is deeply intertwined with with Egyptian concept of the universe and life. He is believed to have emerged from the primordial waters of chaos, known as Nun, and created himself, sitting on a mound, becoming the source from which all creation ensued.
The Genesis of Gods: Atum’s Progeny
Atum’s significance as a creator god is highlighted by his creation of the first divine couple, Shu and Tefnut, through an act of self-generation. This act of creation varied in description, with some myths, suggesting he did this by spitting or sneezing them out—or another method that isn’t exactly family-friendly. This creative prowess made Atum the ancestor of all other gods and established him as the father of the Egyptian kings, many of whom took the title “Son of Atum.”
The Sun’s Journey: Atum and the Solar Cycle
Atum's association with the sun is particularly fascinating. He was linked with the evening sun, a counterpart to Ra or Khepri, who represented the sun at morning and midday. This connection is symbolic of the daily solar cycle, where Atum's presence in the evening signifies the completion of the day's cycle and the sun's journey through the underworld during the night.
The Cycle of Life and Death
The ancient Egyptians held a profound belief in the cyclical nature of life and the universe and Atum played a critical role in this cycle. In the Coffin Texts, he discusses the end of the universe as a return to the primordial waters, with himself and Osiris as the sole survivors in the form of serpents. This imagery is also present in the Book of the Dead, where Atum ascends from the waters of chaos as a snake as a symbol of renewal.
Iconography and Worship of Atum
Atum's iconography is rich and varied. He is often depicted in human form, adorned with royal regalia that underscores his connection to kingship. He can also take the form of a ram, serpent, or scarab, reflecting his multifaceted nature as a god of pre-existence, post-existence, and the complete solar cycle.
Atum’s Legacy in Egyptian Belief
The worship of Atum was widespread throughout Egypt's history. The centerpiece of his worship was in Heliopolis, where even today, a remnant of this ancient cult, the obelisk erected by Senusret I, still stands. Atum's worship persisted from the predynastic period through the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, albeit with varying prominence as the focus shifted to other deities like Ra and Amun.
Atum in Treasures of Egypt
Now that we've briefly discussed Atum’s actual history, I’d like to take a moment to explain the changes I’ve made to his character in my fantasy novel, "Treasures of Egypt."
This includes light world-building spoilers, so consider this a warning if you’d prefer to avoid them.
In the fictional world of "Treasures of Egypt," the gods are either ascended mortals (like Ra and Apep) or descendants of former mortals (like Isis and Osiris). Atum is described by Ra as the only exception to this rule. He is the one god who was born into godhood and created the world that the characters inhabit. He is also seen as a god to the gods themselves; for instance, we encounter the goddess Bastet praying to Atum in a moment of weakness. Atum also crafted the laws that govern the gods, such as the Divine Deals and the mysterious Book of the Dead. In one scene, Ra acknowledges the existence of other pantheons around the world and mentions gods like Odin of the Aesir and Zeus of Olympus. However, he explains that Atum is the singular god who reigns above all pantheons, known by different names across cultures, yet all refer to the same being whom the Egyptians call Atum.
Another distinction lies in the name. Atum’s name is altered to 'Atem,' primarily because beta readers often confused him with Amun during their readings. Additionally, it serves as a fun nod to Yu-Gi-Oh, a series that receives a couple of homages in "Treasures of Egypt."
Conclusion
Atum's legacy is a testament to the enduring nature of Egyptian mythology and its ability to capture the imagination. As a god of creation, Atum represents the mysteries of existence and the universe's boundless cycle. His story continues to fascinate us, offering insights into the ancient world's understanding of life, death, and rebirth.
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 Atum in the realm of fiction, consider checking out my YA fantasy novel “Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.”
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