The Primeval Mound of Atum
Before creation, only Nu existed—the chaotic dark waters of infinity. From Nu arose the primordial mound (Benben), upon which Atum (later Ra) spat or created Shu (Air) and Tefnut (Moisture), giving birth to Geb (Earth) and Nut (Sky).
The Ennead & Sacred Deities
Ra
Solar Creator DeityRides the solar barge across Nut's body by day and battles Apophis in the subterranean Duat by night.
Osiris
Ruler of the UnderworldMurdered by Seth, resurrected by Isis to reign over eternal afterlife judgment in the Hall of Two Truths.
Isis
Divine Mother & SorceressMaster of ancient words of power, protector of Horus, and guardian of sacred funerary magic.
Anubis
Guide of SoulsJackal-headed master of embalming who oversees the Weighing of the Heart against Ma'at's feather.
Cartography of the Nile Valley
Egyptian religion map geometry reflects the physical Nile: upper and lower Egypt mirrored dualism, while the Western desert horizon represented the threshold into the underworld Duat.
Read Feature Article: The Egyptian Book of the Dead & Afterlife Navigation →