The main Egyptian gods and goddesses—like Ra, Isis, Osiris, Horus, Anubis, Hathor, and Thoth—shaped mythology, daily life, and temple worship. Their symbols and stories are everywhere in Egyptian art, architecture, and ritual, making them essential to understanding the ancient Egyptian worldview. Let me know if you want more about a specific god, their myths, or where to see their images in Egypt!
| Deity | Role/Domain | Symbol/Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Ra (Re) | Sun god, king of gods; creator | Solar disk, falcon head |
| Osiris | God of the afterlife and resurrection | Mummified, green skin, white crown |
| Isis | Goddess of magic, motherhood, and protection | Throne-shaped crown, wings |
| Horus | God of kingship, sky, war | Falcon or falcon-headed man |
| Anubis | God of embalming, cemeteries, and the dead | Jackal or jackal-headed |
| Thoth | God of wisdom, writing, and knowledge | Ibis or baboon-headed |
| Hathor | Goddess of love, music, fertility | Cow horns and sun disk, or as a cow, often with an ankh |
| Bastet | Goddess of home, fertility, protection | Cat or lioness head |
| Ptah | Creator deity, patron of artisans | Wrapped in shroud, holding staff |
| Sobek | God of Nile, strength, rebirth | Crocodile-headed |
| Amun (Amon) | King of gods, creator, sun and air | Ram horns, crown with plumes |
| Set (Seth) | God of chaos, desert, storms | Mysterious animal head |
| Sekhmet | Goddess of war, healing, protector | Lioness-headed |
| Ma’at | Goddess of truth, order, justice | Ostrich feather, seated woman |
| Nephthys | Protective goddess of death, mourning | Woman with house and basket hieroglyphs |
Other important gods/goddesses:
- Khepri: Scarab god of sunrise, creation, rebirth.
- Nut: Sky goddess, arching over the earth.
- Geb: Earth god, lying beneath Nut.
- Taweret: Hippopotamus goddess protecting childbirth.
Key facts:
- Gods had family relationships (Isis and Osiris were siblings and spouses; their son was Horus).
- Some gods merged over time or took local forms; in Thebes, Amun-Ra became the supreme god.
- Temples across Egypt were dedicated to major (and local) deities, with festivals, rituals, and offerings performed to keep cosmic order (ma’at) and to ensure prosperity.
Summary:
The main Egyptian gods and goddesses—like Ra, Isis, Osiris, Horus, Anubis, Hathor, and Thoth—shaped mythology, daily life, and temple worship. Their symbols and stories are everywhere in Egyptian art, architecture, and ritual, making them essential to understanding the ancient Egyptian worldview. Let me know if you want more about a specific god, their myths, or where to see their images in Egypt!