Egyptian mythology is one of the oldest traditions of mankind and has lost none of its fascination to this day. The deities play a central role in this belief system and are an important part of the cultural history of the land on the Nile. Egyptian gods and goddesses were diverse and usually had multiple manifestations.
The ancient Egyptians believed that the gods created the cosmos and were responsible for the continuation and flourishing of nature and society. The gods and goddesses were worshipped to gain their benevolence and to protect themselves from evil forces. Each place had its own patron saint, who had special qualities and abilities. Thus there were gods of the sky, earth, water and air. Sometimes they had human form, sometimes they appeared as animals or as mixed creatures of humans and animals.
This article presents the most important Egyptian gods and goddesses that have played a central role in Egyptian culture and religion over the millennia. Learn more about the different figures, their meaning and mythological adventures.
The most important Egyptian gods and goddesses
One of the most important Egyptian gods was Ra, the god of the sun. Ra was often depicted as a powerful king who drove the sun in the sky and ruled the world. In ancient Egyptian religion, Ra was the creator of the universe and the father of all gods and goddesses.