Reading Notes: Ancient Egyptian Myths, Part B

A depiction of the Egyptian god of the sun, Ra.

This segment of Egyptian mythology is one that I am actually familiar with and have spent some time reading before this class. Reading B covers the Tale of the Two Brothers, a classic. Anpu, who is the god Anubis, and his brother Bata live together, along with Anpu' wife. One day, the wife of Anpu attempts to seduce Bata, who remains strongly rejects her advances and is disgusted with her conduct. The wife then proceeds to tell Anpu that Bata tried to rape her and beat her up, which makes Anpu furious. Anpu tries to murder Bata, but he escapes before Anpu can finish the deed. Bata prays to Re-Harakhti, who puts a crocodile infested lake between them so that Anpu can calm down and hear Bata's side of the story. Bata explains his version of the events, and even cuts off his genitals and throws them into the lake, where a catfish swallows and consumes them. After seeing this, Anpu returns home and kills his wife. Bata heads to the Valley of the Cedars and hides his heart for Anpu to find to bring him back to life. After three years of searching, Anpu finds his heart and resurrects him in the form of a bull. After the bull is killed for food by another wife, she is impregnated by Bata as he takes the form of a tree. The child grows up to become the crown prince and ives with his brother in harmony. Another story recalls Thoth, the Egyptian god of writing, and the son of Pharaoh Ramses, whose name is Setna. Setna steals it from a tomb and a god who is upset with creates an illusion of a woman that convinces him to humiliate himself and murder his children. To appease the god, he finds the body of his wife and kids and lays them to rest, allowing them peace, and causing the events to end. This reflects the idea that knowledge, especially from the gods, is not meant for the people. 

Bibliography: Mackenzie's Egyptian Myth and Legend. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-ancient-egyptian.html

Reading Notes: Ancient Egyptian Myths, Part A

A depiction of ancient Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphs from mythos.

The mythology of ancient Egypt is one of the most iconic and influential groups of stories in the history of the world. Its effects on popular culture in America, among many other countries in the world, are very pronounced and noticeable even to this day. The story of creation, which involves Ra, the god of brightness, speaking the world into existence is reminiscent of other creation stories from various religions and mythos. Another story concerns Isis, the enchantress goddess, seeking the secret name of Ra, which gives him his power and is from his father Nu himself. Another involves the goddess of all, taking the form of the holy cow often, named Hathor and her issues with Ra ruling over men for so long. There is another story involving Anubis and how the day came to be, coming in 12 hour periods and ruling over the earth at various periods of time. Another great story involves Osiris, the god of the Underworld and Death, who is similar to Hades in Greek mythology, ushering in a new age from the Ra himself. 

Bibliography: Mackenzie's Egyptian Myth and Legend. http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-ancient-egyptian.html