Rising From the Waters of Chaos—the Egyptian Creation Myth
Ancient Egyptian creation myths, brimming with fascination and diversity, are a crucial element in the colorful mosaic of Egyptian mythology. These regional narratives provide a glimpse into how the ancient Egyptians perceived the cosmos and the genesis of the world. Passed down across generations, these stories stand as a testament to the creativity and depth of Egyptian thinking.
Central to these myths is the belief that the gods orchestrated the creation of life, nature, and societal structures. These narratives are more than mere tales; they are deeply ingrained in sacred hieroglyphics adorning monuments and texts throughout Egypt.
Today, we will explore the creation myths that inspired the mythology behind the YA fantasy novel, “Treasures of Egypt.”
The Beginning: Nun and the Birth of the Gods
The story unfolds with Nun, the primeval ocean of chaos, a cradle of all life's possibilities. Think of existence before the Big Bang as a soap that contains all that will exist in a single bowl and you’ll get what the ancient Egyptians were going for. From this tumultuous beginning, the sun god, initially dormant, emerged as Ra (or Atum in some versions), signaling the dawn of creation. Then there was a BANG, though probably a much bigger bang than the actual Big Bang.
Ra's appearance spawned other deities like Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture), triggering a divine lineage that sculpted the universe.
Zep Tepi: The First Occasion
Zep Tepi, the first occasion, marked the world's emergence from an endless, lifeless sea. Shrouded in mystique and reverence, this epoch signifies the shift from chaos to order and the birth of the principle of Ma'at (cosmic harmony) who is often personified as a woman with a feather on her head.
Common Imagery: The Benben and the Sun
The Egyptian creation myths, though varying across different regions, cults, and eras, consistently feature two central motifs: the benben and the sun. The benben, a pyramid-shaped mound, represents the initial point of creation, a symbol of the emergence of life from the primeval chaos. This mound is not just a physical structure but a metaphorical representation of the birth of the universe. The sun, another crucial element in these myths, is believed to have risen from this mound, signifying the beginning of life. This moment of the sun's ascent marks a transition from nonexistence to existence, illuminating the world and bringing order to the chaos. This imagery is strongly reminiscent of the annual floods of the Nile, which were vital for Egyptian agriculture. The receding waters of the Nile left behind fertile soil, symbolizing the emergence of life from chaos, much like the life-giving sun rising from the benben. This parallel between the cosmic creation and the natural phenomena observed in the Nile's behavior underscores the Egyptians' deep connection with their environment, perceiving it as a reflection of the cosmic order, or Ma'at.
The Hermopolitan Myth: The Ogdoad
In the city of Hermopolis, the creation myth revolves around the Ogdoad, a group of eight gods who symbolize the different characteristics of the primeval waters. These gods were typically represented as amphibians and reptiles, with males depicted as frogs and females as snakes, creatures that thrived in the watery chaos. This imagery captures the essence of life emerging from the primeval, undifferentiated waters. The story narrates how the union of these deities resulted in the formation of the benben, the first solid ground to emerge from the chaos. From this mound, the sun god rose, bringing light and life to the world. This myth highlights the Egyptians' view of creation as a process of emergence from chaos, symbolized by the primeval waters, to an ordered world, marked by the rising of the sun. The Ogdoad, in representing different aspects of these waters, embodies the multifaceted nature of the chaos that preceded creation.
The Heliopolitan Myth: Atum's Evolution
In Heliopolis, the creation myth centers on Atum, a deity who embodies the concept of self-creation. According to this myth, Atum existed in the primeval waters as an inert potential before manifesting himself. This act of self-creation set off a chain of events leading to the formation of the cosmos. From Atum came Shu, the god of air, and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture, symbolizing the emergence of space within the primeval waters. Their existence paved the way for the creation of Geb, the earth god, and Nut, the sky goddess, who in turn gave rise to Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys. These deities represent various life forces and aspects of the world. The Heliopolitan myth portrays creation as a process of differentiation and organization, starting from a singular, undifferentiated being to a complex system of interrelated elements and deities.
The Memphite Myth: Ptah's Creation
The Memphite myth offers a unique perspective on creation, focusing on Ptah, the patron god of craftsmen. This myth views creation as an intellectual process, akin to a craftsman conceiving and shaping a product. In this narrative, the world's creation is attributed to the mental prowess and verbal articulation of Ptah. The ideas conceived in Ptah's heart (which the Egyptians considered the seat of thought) were brought into existence as he named them. This emphasis on the spoken word and thought underscores the power of intellect and language in the Egyptian conception of creation. It highlights how the act of naming and conceptualizing can give rise to tangible realities, reflecting the ancient Egyptians' deep respect for the power of the mind and speech in shaping the world.
The Theban Myth: Amun as the Ultimate Creator
In Thebes, the creation myth elevates Amun, a member of the Ogdoad, to the position of the supreme creator. This narrative views Amun as a transcendent force, existing beyond the physical realm and yet being the ultimate source of all creation. Amun, in this theology, is an enigmatic presence, his true nature hidden even from other deities. The Theban myth likens Amun's act of creation to a divine call that stirred the primeval waters, leading to the formation of the other gods. This portrayal of Amun as the hidden, yet omnipotent force behind all creation, led to his supreme status in the Egyptian pantheon. It emphasizes the concept of a singular, all-encompassing deity who transcends the physical world and is the originator of all life and order.
The Creation Myth of Treasures of Egypt
SPOILER WARNING: Light world-building spoilers!
In my novel, "Treasures of Egypt," the creation myth closely aligns with the story of Atum shaping the world, but with a twist. Here, the gods, aside from Atum, are former mortals who achieved godhood—like Ra, Apep, and Maat—or their descendants, such as Isis and Set. Meanwhile, entities like Nu, Shu, and Tefnut are reimagined as the primordial forces they embody, not portrayed as tangible beings. This interpretation lends flexibility to the narrative, paving the way for intriguing future plot developments.
The concept of mortals ascending to godhood isn't entirely alien to ancient Egyptian culture, as many mortals were deified during or after their lives. I believe that this blend of traditional myth and imaginative storytelling enriches the novel's mythological landscape, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes and helping streamline the incredibly complex and diverse Egyptian mythology.
Conclusion
The Egyptian creation myths, with their vivid symbolism and varied tales, offer a portal into the ancient Egyptians' worldview. From Nun's chaotic waters to the ascension of the sun god, these myths do more than just narrate the universe's origins; they mirror the Egyptians' deep respect for the divine and the natural order. I personally, as someone who loves history and science, find it incredible how close their interpretation of the world’s creation was to the modern concept of the Big Bang or how the seeds for modern religious and spiritual ideas were planted so long ago.
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