© Dr. Hassan Nasr Eldin
Sarcophagus of “Tentapet” from the Third Intermediate Period at Bab el-Gusus, housed in the Cairo Museum, Inventory No. JE 29662.
The sarcophagi from this period feature highly animated decorations where one can recognize one of the most vivid and certainly the oldest depictions of the Genesis as imagined by the Egyptians. This document refers to the creation of the world as developed by the Heliopolitan clergy. Thus, the demiurge created from himself (through thought, speech, tears, spittle, masturbation…) the primordial principles of infinite space, Hehu and Hehet, and of darkness, Kek and Keket, Amun and Amunet. This Ogdoad (which we will discuss soon), composed of essentially complementary elements, brought forth, by its will, the light that emerged from the lotus on the earth rising from the “Great Pond” of Hermopolis.
In the vast tapestry of Ancient Egyptian mythology, the concept of divine femininity intertwines with creation, chaos, and the origins of existence itself. The religious and mythological texts from this era paint a profound picture of the cosmos before time began—a time when neither sky nor earth had been born, when gods, humans, and even death were yet to exist. This primordial state was embodied by Nun, the eternal ocean, regarded as the father of the gods.
© Dr. Hassan Nasr Eldin
Sarcophagus of “Tentapet” from the Third Intermediate Period (TIP) of Bab el-Gusus, preserved in the Cairo Museum, Inventory No. JE 29662. The sarcophagi of this period bear highly animated decorations where one can recognize some of the most vivid and certainly the oldest images of the Genesis as envisioned by the Egyptians. This artifact refers to the creation of the world as developed by the Heliopolitan clergy. The demiurge is said to have created from himself (through thought, speech, tears, spit, or masturbation) the primordial principles of infinite space, Hehu and Hehet, and darkness, Kek and Keket, as well as Amun and Amunet. This Ogdoad (which we will discuss in detail later), composed of essentially complementary elements, brought forth, by its will, the light that emerged from the lotus flower on the land rising from the “Great Pond” of Hermopolis.
The Birth of Creation and Gender Duality
From the infinite waters of Nun, the Creator God emerged, a being without precedent or lineage, embodying both male and female principles. This duality was essential to the creation process, symbolizing the balance and completeness needed to give birth to the universe. Ancient texts describe the Creator as androgynous, encapsulating both “the fathers and mothers who were with him when he was in the Nun.”
© Dr. Hassan Nasr Eldin
Bronze piece preserved in the Mallawi Museum under Inventory No. 48 (1528). A standing priest performs a ritual, holding an offering table in his left hand and a libation vessel in his right hand. In front of him are Isis and Nephthys, while behind him sit two Thoth-baboons, seated on their haunches with their hands on their thighs, adopting a characteristic posture of the baboon. The animalistic aspect stops there, as they are perched on a high altar, with the lunar disc and crescent atop their heads. (For more details, see our study in BIFAO 114).
Hapy: The Androgynous Symbol of Prosperity
The duality of divine gender was not merely philosophical—it was depicted in art and myth. One such example is Hapy, the god of the Nile, often shown with a curiously androgynous appearance. Hapy’s body bore the rounded belly of abundance, a symbol of nourishment, and the chest of a full-figured man, representing fertility and prosperity. Despite these traits, Hapy was considered male and was often accompanied by female figures symbolizing material wealth.
In some depictions, Hapy’s gender duality is explicitly highlighted. A demotic text even states, “The image of Hapy, which is half male and the other half female.” This blending of genders was not an expression of ambiguity but a powerful symbol of completeness, embodying both creation and sustenance.
Neit: The Creator Goddess of Balance
Among the pantheon of creator gods, the goddess Neit stands out as a profound example of divine femininity and gender balance. Neit was described as “a man who acts like a woman, and a woman who acts like a man.” Ancient texts even calculated her gender composition, describing her as two-thirds male and one-third female. Despite this, she was depicted as fully female in art, embodying the idea that gender duality served a functional purpose in creation rather than defining personality or appearance.
This duality extended to other major deities as well. Gods like Amun, Aten, and Osiris were often described as both father and mother, highlighting their ability to create and sustain life. For the Egyptians, this was not a depiction of effeminacy but a recognition of the divine’s ability to encompass all aspects of existence.
The Fierce Power of Divine Femininity
The richness of divine femininity in Ancient Egyptian mythology is further exemplified in the goddess Mut, featured in Chapter 146 of the Book of the Dead. Mut is depicted as a powerful figure with three heads—a lioness, a human, and an eagle—symbolizing strength, wisdom, and vision. Interestingly, Mut is also shown equipped with an erect phallus, emphasizing her duality and boundless creative power.
This depiction reflects a broader theme in Egyptian mythology: the balance of masculine and feminine as a source of divine effectiveness. The gods and goddesses were not confined to a single gender identity but were celebrated for their ability to embody and transcend both, ensuring the harmony of creation and existence.
Unveiling the Symbolism
The Ancient Egyptians used these depictions not to blur gender roles but to highlight the completeness and unity of the divine. The androgynous forms of gods like Hapy and Neit symbolized their roles as both creators and sustainers, ensuring the balance necessary for life to flourish. This divine duality reveals the depth of Ancient Egyptian spirituality and their understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
By exploring these myths and symbols, we can gain a richer understanding of how the Ancient Egyptians perceived the world and the divine forces that shaped it. The stories of Hapy, Neit, and Mut invite us to reflect on the profound harmony and balance that lie at the heart of creation.
© Dr. Hassan Nasr Eldin
The renowned mythologist J. Assmann and I, in discussion one day about Egyptian religion at the University of Lille 3/Charles de Gaulle.
Selected Bibliography:
- M. F. Ayad, Women in Ancient Egypt, Cairo-New York, 2022.
- R. Bailleul-Le Suer, Between Heaven and Earth: Birds in Ancient Egypt, Chicago, 2013.
- H. Nasr el-Dine, “Bronzes of Ibis from Touna al-Gebel,” BIFAO 110 (2010), pp. 235-249.
- H. Nasr el-Dine, “Four Votive Pieces Preserved in the Mallawi Museum,” BIFAO 114 (2014), pp. 365-373.
- Ch. D. Nobelcourt, The Woman in the Time of the Pharaohs, Paris, 1986.
- Cl. Traunecker, The Gods of Egypt, 5th ed., Paris, 1992.