Goddess of the sky and mother of the gods, Nut, is the daughter of the god of the air, Shou, and of, Tefnut, goddess of humidity. This deity is the mother ofOsiris,Isis, Seth and Nephthys. The name “Nout” comes from the Egyptian word “nwt” which means “sky”.
Nout is regularly depicted as a woman bent over the world. In other words, it somehow imitates the curve of the sky through acrobatics. She is often depicted with stars on her body and in other depictions she holds stars in her hands.
In Egyptian mythology Nut has the function of embodying the sky, the stars and space. He is a cosmic deity. She is the nurturing and protective mother of all that lives under the heavens. Nut is sometimes considered guardian of the dead.
According to Plutarch, Roman philosopher and writer, Nut played an important role in the creation of the universe. According to the latter, she even created the space between heaven and earth after her separation from the god. Geb.
The role of Nut in the Egyptian cosmogony
Nut plays an essential role in the Egyptian cosmogony as goddess of the sky and protector of the earth. Every evening, she swallows the sun, which crosses her body during the night to be reborn at dawn. This cycle of the sun through Nut symbolizes the process of death and rebirth, a central theme in Egyptian mythology.
The goddess Nut and the funerary cult
In Egyptian beliefs, Nut also had an important role to play in the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed that the dead had to cross the night sky in a solar boat to achieve immortality. As a sky goddess, Nut protected and guided them on this journey. Representations of Nut were often painted on tomb ceilings and sarcophagus lids to provide protection for the deceased in the afterlife.
What remains of Nut in Egypt
Archaeological traces of the goddess Nut are present in many sites across ancient Egypt. These traces can be found in various forms, such as artistic representations, inscriptions and ritual objects. Here are some examples of archaeological discoveries related to Nut:
artistic representations
Images of Nut are found on the walls of temples and tombs, as well as on objects such as amulets, sarcophagi and papyri. Notable examples include:
The painted ceilings of Temple of Hathor at Dendera, where Nut is depicted as an arched woman with a star-covered body.
Scenes from the Book of the Dead, a collection of Egyptian funerary texts, where Nut is often depicted guiding and protecting the deceased on their journey into the afterlife.
Representations of Nut on amulets and ritual objects, sometimes in the form of a celestial cow carrying the solar disc between its horns.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions referring to Nut have been discovered in several Egyptian temples and tombs. These inscriptions may include hymns, prayers, or mythological texts mentioning the goddess. For example, in some tombs in the Valley of the Kings, funerary texts describe the role of Nut in the process of death and rebirth of the deceased.
Ritual objects and offerings
Ritual objects and offerings related to the cult of Nut have also been discovered during archaeological excavations. These items may include figurines, amulets, or offerings of perishable materials such as food or flowers. These objects were used in religious ceremonies or placed in tombs to ensure the protection of the deceased.
Archaeological traces of the goddess Nut are present throughout ancient Egypt and testify to the importance of this deity in mythology and in the life of the Egyptians.
His story in pictures
Egyptian deities other than Nut