I grew up with a profound attachment to all the layers of significance beneath every Egyptian cultural viewpoint. Bedtime and oral stories were always laced with stories and myths. Personally, I feel very connected to my own culture and mythology on many levels, spiritual and mental. They are very interesting to me, not only to listen to but also to build on and make your own stories out of.
It is nearly impossible to summarize everything about Egyptian mythology and folklore in one article; it is a vast ocean of information and aspects. But in my next few words, I’ll try to highlight some of the most important aspects of Egyptian folklore .
Tales of Heroes, Gods and Demons Egyptian folklore is a treasure trove of stories and myths that have been passed down from one generation to another for thousands of years. These stories reflect the country’s rich history, culture, and beliefs, and have played a significant role in shaping the country’s identity. From tales of pharaohs and gods to depictions of everyday life, the folklore of Egypt is a fascinating insight into the legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were an essential part of their folklore. These divine beings played a role in their lives and were significant to have control over the forces of nature such as the sun, the moon, and the Nile.
One of the most iconic gods in Egyptian mythology is Ra, the sun god, who was considered the most important of all the gods. According to myth, every day Ra would travel across the sky in his boat, and at night he would journey through the underworld before being reborn again in the morning.
Another important god is Anubis, the god of death and mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that he weighed the hearts of the deceased in the afterlife to determine whether they had lived a good life on Earth. If they had, they would be allowed into the afterlife, but if not, their heart would be devoured by the crocodile-headed god Ammit.
Another important god is Anubis, the god of death and mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that he weighed the hearts of the deceased in the afterlife to determine whether they had lived a good life on Earth. If they had, they would be allowed into the afterlife, but if not, their heart would be devoured by the crocodile-headed god Ammit. In addition to the gods, Egypt’s folklore is filled with stories of heroes and heroines. Another important god is Anubis, the god of death and mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that he weighed the hearts of the deceased in the afterlife to determine whether they had lived a good life on Earth.If they had, they would be allowed into the afterlife, but if not, their heart would be devoured by the crocodile-headed god Ammit.
In addition to the gods, Egypt’s folklore is filled with stories of heroes and heroines.
Perhaps the most famous of these is the tale of Isis and Osiris, the sister and brother who married and ruled over ancient Egypt before Osiris was murdered by their jealous brother Set. Isis rescued Osiris’s remains and used magic to bring him back to life long enough to conceive their son Horus, who avenged his father’s death by defeating Set. Other tales of heroes include the story of Sinuhe, an Egyptian noble who fled into exile after he was falsely accused of conspiracy against the pharaoh. During his travels, he became a mercenary, fought in wars, and eventually made his way back to Egypt where he was pardoned by the new pharaoh and lived out his life in peace.
Egyptian folklore is also filled with tales of demons and other supernatural creatures. One example is the demon Apep, a giant serpent who was believed to threaten the sun god Ra on his daily journey across the sky. Another is the baboon-headed demon Babi, who was believed to be associated with the god of fertility and sexuality.
The folklore of Egypt is an incredibly diverse and complex body of work that has influenced countless artists, writers, and filmmakers over the centuries. Its stories provide valuable insights not only into the beliefs and values of ancient Egyptians but also into the human psyche and our ongoing fascination with myths and legends.
Rahma Qader