Egyptian Mythology
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Serqet, also known by variations such as Selket, Selqet, and Selkit, was an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with scorpions. While she was predominantly viewed as a protective deity, her character also possessed a more ominous aspect. Serqet was associated with controlling venomous creatures like snakes and scorpions, akin to other deities such as Meretseger and…
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Dukkah: A Flavorful Egyptian Nut and Spice Blend Dukkah is a vibrant Egyptian mixture of nuts and spices that introduces an exciting flavor profile and a delightful crunch to various savory dishes. This unique condiment can be likened to a more exotic twist on the popular Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. Lately, its popularity has…
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A few years back, the British Museum hosted a captivating exhibition entitled Living with Gods, which addressed the idea that religion is crucial to the human experience. This notion intrigues me, especially when considering its significance—how does it enrich our lives? One aspect of religion is its role in helping us interpret our surroundings, providing…
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The most comprehensive narrative of the Osiris myth comes from the works of the Greek historian and philosopher Plutarch, who lived from approximately 46 to 120 CE. While his recounting is relatively late, it aligns harmoniously with evidence derived from earlier historical periods. Osiris is renowned as the inaugural ruler of Egypt, born to Geb,…
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Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the indigenous beliefs that flourished in ancient Egypt from the predynastic era (around the 4th millennium BCE) until the decline of traditional culture in the early centuries CE. For historical details and timelines, one can refer to the broader context of Egyptian history. Significance and Nature The religious beliefs and customs…
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Sobek, also referred to as Sebek, Sobki, and others, was the ancient deity associated with crocodiles revered in Egyptian mythology from the Old Kingdom era through the Roman period. He is featured in the Pyramid Texts and was primarily recognized as a creator god, believed to have emerged from the primordial “Dark Water” to establish…
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In ancient Egyptian civilization, the goddess Heqet was a prominent figure symbolizing fertility and childbirth. Her influence was felt from the Old Kingdom through the Ptolemaic era, making her a crucial deity patronized by many women seeking care and protection in their pregnancies. Heqet played a major role in agriculture, funerary customs, and was particularly…
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Isis, the Egyptian deity celebrated for her roles in love, healing, fertility, magic, and the moon, was a pivotal figure in ancient Egyptian spirituality. Known by various names like Aset or Eset, she stood as the most venerated goddess throughout Egyptian history, maintaining her prominence even during the Greco-Roman period. Some historians suggest parallels between…
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Exploring the Symbols of Isis and Nut in Ancient Egyptian Art Ancient Egyptian art, spanning over a millennium, manifests in diverse forms, primarily aiming to express the Egyptians’ perspectives on life and death. A significant portion of this art features deeply religious themes, rich with symbolism, particularly apparent in the representations of two prominent goddesses:…
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Tefnut is a revered deity from ancient Egyptian mythology, recognized for her dominion over moisture, rain, and water. As part of the Heliopolitan Ennead, a collective of nine gods worshipped primarily in Heliopolis, her significance in the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities is profound. Typically depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness,…
