Egyptian Deities

Creation Story

ATUM NUT

Story

GEB

SHU TEFNUT

EARTH, WATER, AIR and SKY

Gods, Goddesses and More Gods

• Over 2000 Gods/Goddesses from all over the country

• Country was not united, therefore about 40 ruling tribes all had their own deities

• They all have Gods AND Goddesses

• Have Gods or Goddesses for everything. Ex. Gods/Goddesses for Beer, Plants, Digestion, Gardens, Feasting etc.

Gods and Humans• Gods and Goddesses

resembled humans• Deities married, had

families and children. *the Creation Story*

• Egyptian Gods/Goddesses have divine strengths and human weaknesses

• Why?• Goddesses are usually

shown with legs joined together

• Gods usually shown in motion, striding

The Appearance of Gods

• THOTH= God of Wisdom, Time, Writing

• Represented by a male body with the head of an Ibis.

• Ibis=stork like bird with long legs and beak to catch fish in mud

• Ibis, symbolized wisdom because beak shaped like a pen and dips in the mud as if it was ink

• OSIRIS=God of Vegetation and Underworld

• Represented by a male body with a greenish complexion and usually depicted wrapped in white linen

• The greenish complexion draws the connection with vegetation

• Wrapped in white linen like a mummy to connect with the underworld

Notice: Osiris’ legs are bind together like a mummy different from most Gods

Common Godly Clothing

Tunic with Suspenders

Dress with Suspenders

Short Loincloth

Short Sleeved Overall

Full-Length Dress

Most of these objects were unique to one female deity, however the solar disc and horns of Hathor could be worn by other deities.

1. Scepter with a flower are often carried by goddesses

2. Herdsmen's crook= protector of domesticated animals

3. Was-scepter=“domination” and “power”

4. This staff is usually held by Ptah

5. Crook and flail with Was-scepter and ankh-sign. Usually unique to Osiris