Gods who created the universe: Ancient Egypt's most important figures

Egyptian mythology is one of the most fascinating and complex mythologies of antiquity. The ancient Egyptians worshipped their gods and goddesses, to whom incredible powers and abilities were attributed. In this article, we take a look at some of the most important gods of Egyptian mythology, from the powerful sun god Ra to the loving goddess of motherhood Isis. Join us on a journey through the fascinating world of Egyptian mythological gods.

The sun god - Ra

Ra is one of the oldest and most powerful deities in Egyptian mythology, revered as the sun god and creator of the universe. He was depicted with a falcon's head and a solar disc on it. Ra was considered the source of life and fertility, as he, according to the Egyptians, made the sun rise during the day and plunge into the underworld at night to fight the forces of chaos. The cult of Ra occupied a key place in Egyptian society, where the sun was a symbol of life and order. Priests dedicated temples to him, such as Karnak's in Thebes, and performed numerous rituals to protect and bless him. 

Ra was believed to travel through the heavens during the day and descend to the underworld at night to be reborn at dawn. The Egyptians believed that the sun was his right eye, and Ra's daily struggle against the forces of darkness guaranteed order in the universe. The pharaohs were honoured as descendants of Ra, endowed with divine power and responsibility for maintaining justice and harmony in the kingdom. Ra was not only a symbol of light and life, but also the embodiment of power and cosmic order.

The god of resurrection and fertility - Osiris

Osiris is one of the central deities of Egyptian mythology, symbolising resurrection, fertility and the afterlife. He was depicted with green or black skin, emphasising his connection to the life cycle of nature and the world of the dead. Legend has it that Osiris was killed by his brother Seth, tearing his body into pieces and scattering them across Egypt. Osiris' wife, the goddess Isis, collected the remains and resurrected him, making him ruler of the underworld. This story came to epitomise eternal life and rebirth.

Osiris was honoured as the god of agriculture, and his cycle of death and resurrection was associated with the natural seasons: death signified the dry season, and his return to life signified the beginning of the fertile season. The Egyptians believed that it was his resurrection that revitalised the fields and filled the earth with vitality. The cult of Osiris was an integral part of Egyptian funerary religion. Rituals in his honour included mummification and offerings to ensure that the souls of the dead passed on to the afterlife. 

Osiris was considered a just judge who weighed the hearts of the dead on the pen of Maat, the goddess of truth. Those whose hearts turned out to be pure awaited eternal life in his kingdom. The annual ‘Festival of Green Clothes’ in honour of Osiris was filled with processions, rituals and theatrical performances of the myth of his resurrection. The colour green, symbolising rebirth, was worn by participants in the festival, celebrating Osiris' power to give life and harmony. Thus the god became not only the patron of nature, but also the hope for eternal life and justice.

God of the Dead - Anubis

Anubis, one of the most recognisable gods of Egyptian mythology, was depicted as a man with the head of a jackal. He was the patron saint of the dead and the guide of souls to the afterlife. The Egyptians believed that Anubis played a key role in preparing the body and soul for eternal life. During burial rituals, Anubis was believed to oversee mummification, helping to preserve the body for the afterlife. After the preparation was complete, the souls of the dead were to undergo the judgement of Anubis. He, like Osiris, weighed the heart of the deceased on the feather of truth of the goddess Maat. If the heart was heavier than the feather, the soul was destroyed by the monster Ammit. 

The cult of Anubis was closely connected with funeral rites. Priests dedicated to his service were responsible for mummification and rituals. Temples of Anubis, such as the sanctuary at Ouaset, served as centres of worship where prayers and offerings were made to ensure a safe passage to the afterlife. Anubis was also seen as the protector of souls, accompanying them to the underworld and protecting them along the way. His images often adorned tombs and funerary temples, symbolising the care and guidance of this god, so important to Egyptian ideas about the afterlife.

The god of darkness and chaos - Seth

Seth is a mysterious and contradictory god of Egyptian mythology who personifies chaos, violence and destruction. He was depicted with the head of an unknown animal and the body of a snake, emphasising his association with the destructive forces of nature. Seth is best known for his myth of conflict with his brother Osiris, whom he killed and dismembered. Despite his reputation as a god of darkness and imbalance, some Egyptians saw him as a protector, able to maintain order by restraining more dangerous forces.

The cult of Seth was less widespread than the worship of other gods, as he was seen as dangerous and wayward. Nevertheless, he was recognised as a necessary part of the cosmic balance between order and chaos. Priests made rituals and offerings asking Seth for protection and help in times of trouble. The image of Seth is found in myths where he plays a key role in the struggle between good and evil. Although his figure is ambiguous, Seth remains an important and powerful deity, symbolising a destructive but inevitably necessary force in Egyptian cosmology.

The goddess of motherhood and healing - Isis

Isis is one of the most revered goddesses in Egyptian mythology, symbolising motherhood, healing and protection. She was depicted as a woman with a throne-like headdress, often holding her son Horus in her arms, emphasising her role as the mother of all pharaohs. Isis was known for her wisdom and her ability to protect and heal those who sought her help. The cult of Isis was widespread throughout Egypt. Temples dedicated to the goddess served as places of worship and ritual where priests performed ceremonies, prayed for the protection of mothers, children and healing of the sick. She was considered the patron saint of pregnant women and a healer, able to intervene in difficult life situations.

Isis also played a central role in the myth of Osiris. According to legend, she resurrected her husband after his death, ensuring his eternal life in the afterlife. This myth reinforced her status as the goddess of resurrection and inspired the Egyptians to see her as a symbol of love, devotion and the power to overcome death. Isis was not only the embodiment of care and protection, but also a goddess who inspired the faithful with her power and wisdom, remaining one of the most significant figures in Egyptian mythology.

Conclusion

Egyptian mythology is not just a collection of ancient stories, but an entire universe where gods embody the forces of nature, emotions, and the laws of the universe. Through myths, the ancient Egyptians tried to make sense of the world and find harmony between order and chaos. These stories still inspire us to reflect on justice, eternal life and man's connection to the universe. By immersing ourselves in this world, we not only learn about ancient culture, but also find answers to questions that are still relevant today.