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Origins of the Egyptian Gods

2024/9/12
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The Ancients

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The Egyptian creation myth begins with Nun, the primordial ocean. From Nun arose a mound, and on this mound, the first god, Atum, came into being. Atum, through self-procreation, created Shu and Tefnut, who in turn gave birth to Geb and Nut. Geb and Nut then parented Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys, completing the Ennead.
  • The Ennead consists of nine gods.
  • Atum is the first god and creator of the other gods.
  • Shu and Tefnut represent air and moisture.
  • Geb and Nut represent earth and sky.
  • Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys are the most human-like of the Ennead.

Shownotes Transcript

The legends of Ra and Hathor, of Osiris and Isis, of Anubis and Set have been passed from mouth to ear in Egypt for millennia. They were painted on temple walls, etched on delicate papyrus and discovered at the heart of the pyramids. But who were the Gods of Egypt? How did their myths originate? And from where did the ancient Egyptians believe their Gods came from?

On the Ancients this September and October - across five special episodes - join Tristan Hughes to delve into the meaning of these stories and unpack Egypt's mysterious deities. In today's episode he is joined by Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley to kick off the series and explore the origins of the Gods and their enthralling creation story.

Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight, the senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Scriptwriter is Andrew Hulse. Voice Actor is Menna Elbezawy.

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