Tefnut, known as Tphênis in Greek, is a multi-faceted goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology. She is recognized as the offspring of Atum, the twin sister and companion of the air god Shu, and the mother to the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut. Her representations often depict her with the head of a lioness or in an entirely leonine form, frequently seated back-to-back with Shu, who also takes on a similar leonine appearance. This pairing of Tefnut and Shu is referred to as Ruty, meaning ‘the Two Lions.’ The creation of Tefnut and her brother stemmed from Atum’s act of masturbation at the genesis of the universe. The name Tefnut may derive from the verb “tefen,” implying to spit or release, or from the noun “tefen,” which translates to ‘orphan’. This notion is echoed in PT utterance 260, where a deceased king mentions a “judgment” with Tefnut, aligned with the idea that she might be considered parentless as she created herself.
The cosmogony detailed in the Papyrus Bremner-Rhind indicates that the progeny of Geb and Nut — Shu and Tefnut’s grandchildren — are the first beings birthed from a physical source, contrasting with the mysterious origins of earlier deities. Atum himself implies that many beings manifested from his mouth before the existence of heaven and earth. The interplay among Atum, Tefnut, and Shu suggests a fusion in their identities, as expressed in PT utterance 685, which presents them as interconnected aspects of Atum’s creative essence.
The narrative surrounding Atum continues in the ‘Eye’ myth, signifying a complex interplay of dynamics between Atum, his ‘Eye’ (irt), and the overarching concepts of separation and reunion reflected in various solar deities like Re. This ‘Eye’ embodies the will and efficacy of these divine beings as it reassembles back to its original source, paralleling Atum’s acknowledgment of his offspring Shu and Tefnut. Tefnut’s journey back to Atum marks a pivotal moment of creation linked to his weeping over their reunion, birthing humans from his tears.
In contrast, another prominent cycle in Tefnut’s lore, often known as the myth of the ‘Distant’ or ‘Returning’ Goddess, details her venture away from Egypt at the behest of Shu. This semi-mythical place, Bougem or Keneset, signifies a journey rife with themes of appeasement achieved through sacred rites of purification. The tales surrounding her return suggest an integration of various divine elements, with the myth interweaving themes from the Osirian cycle. The narratives also tap into cultural phenomena, possibly mirroring cyclical natural events.
The explorations of Tefnut’s mythical narratives often encounter complexities. Schemas describing her either as Re’s daughter or a reunified figure with Shu point to an interconnected web of divine relationships. These chronicles highlight Tefnut as not merely a cosmic figure, but as an embodiment of harmony and order in the universe—essential for the development of complexity.
Additionally, a more poignant facet of Tefnut’s mythology involves her struggles, represented symbolically through her interactions with Geb, her son. This narrative does not shy away from themes of suffering and complexity—juxtaposing Tefnut’s primordial identity with the conflicts of later divine generations.
In various Egyptian texts, Tefnut’s representation oscillates between solar and lunar symbolism. She is depicted in roles reflecting both fierce solar energy and the tranquility associated with lunar cycles, which points to her flexibility in symbolism corresponding to different contexts. The sacredness of her existence permeates references that depict her as a source of sustenance and vitality, linking her to cosmic significance.
In essence, Tefnut emerges as a profound figure embodying creation, cosmic order, and the cycles of existence within the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology.
