The Bennu: A Celestial Symbol of Creation and Rebirth
Overview
The Bennu, a significant figure in Egyptian mythology, represents a unique self-generated entity believed to have played a pivotal role in the cosmos’s inception. Identified as the ba of Ra, the Bennu is credited with endowing Atum with the creative impetus. Its journey over the primordial waters of Nun culminated in a fateful landing that established the foundational aspects of creation, closely linked with the deity Osiris. Initially associated with solar motifs, the Bennu bird later became entwined with three key gods: Atum, Ra, and Osiris.
Iconography and Physical Representation
The imagery associated with the Bennu bird likely originated from Heliopolis, where it was first illustrated as a representation of solar divinities. Pyramid Texts reveal that the bird’s physical representation was reminiscent of a yellow wagtail. However, during the New Kingdom, it was redesigned more akin to a gray heron. This depiction often featured the bird with elongated legs, a long beak, and a distinctive two-toned crested head. Primarily recognized as a companion of the great solar deity, the Bennu was also represented on a ben-ben stone. Its association with Osiris led to representations of the bird in the sacred willow dedicated to the god.
On numerous occasions, the Bennu was depicted adorned with the Atef crown, a symbol linked to Osiris. An example of this can be found on a sarcophagus belonging to the Divine Adoratrice, currently exhibited at the British Museum, showcasing the bird alighting on a willow tree. Alternatively, the Bennu could also be represented as a human figure with a bird’s head. Visually, it is often described as a large, eagle-like creature exhibiting vibrant red and gold plumage.
Mythical Heritage
According to legend, the Bennu bird soared across the waters of Nun prior to creation’s dawn. The tradition narrates that it called out after settling on a rock, revealing hitherto unknown truths. In the belief systems of ancient Egypt, the Bennu was seen as the ba of Ra and played a crucial role in the sun god’s mythology during the Late Period. The image of the bird was pivotal in the Middle Kingdom, where it was credited with the emergence of Atum. The creation of the Bennu mirrored that of the sun god, arising through self-generation. A fragment of myth from the 21st Dynasty illustrates a scarab beetle and a heart amulet situated near the Bennu.
Powers and Significance
The Bennu is portrayed in various sources as possessing formidable powers and abilities. Notably, it was said to wield the capacity for self-creation and to traverse the primeval waters. Its resonant call was integral to establishing order and defining the nature of the cosmos. Symbolizing renewal, the Bennu bird was believed to rejuvenate itself daily and every 500 years, signifying rebirth and resurrection, pivotal concepts in Egyptian mythology intertwined with the sun god Atum and the underworld deity Osiris.
Contemporary Presence
In modern contexts, the name “Bennu” has been ascribed to a small asteroid currently under investigation by NASA as part of the OSIRIS-REX mission. This project aims to delve into fundamental questions regarding the origins of life within our solar system, with the asteroid selected for its suspected organic compounds.
The influence of Bennu extends into popular culture. In the video game Assassin’s Creed Origins, Bennu appears as a legendary giant white heron residing in the Siwa desert, representing a formidable adversary for players. He also appears in a linked side quest entitled “The Curse of the Pharaohs,” which explores themes of the afterlife.
Additionally, the character Bennu is featured in the TV series The Originals, depicted as a powerful witch who is under a curse mandating his resurrection every century. In this narrative, he is also known as the Hollow, an ominous entity intent on devouring vitality and magical essence.
Conclusion
The Bennu bird, steeped in rich mythological significance, serves as a timeless symbol of creation and renewal. Its legacy survives through both ancient narratives and contemporary scientific endeavors, ensuring its place in the annals of history and culture.
