For this task card, you will be required to research specific ancient Egyptian Gods and then complete activities relating to those Gods.

The Ancient Egyptians practiced polytheism, or worship of many gods. The first gods represented the natural elements that affected their daily lives, such as the weather, the environment, and death. Over time, the Egyptians began to think of the gods as having human qualities. As a result, some gods were depicted with human shapes while others were part human, part animal.

At the centre of each Egyptian community was the temple to the local god. It was maintained by priests who sometimes argued over which god was most powerful.

Nun – The Waters of Chaos

Egyptians believed that, in the beginning, nothing existed but Nun, the ocean that covered the world. The first land emerged from Nun as a mound.

Re – The Sun God

The god, Re, arose from the mound. Re appeared then disappeared every day.

Hapi – The River God

The river god, Hapi, flowed out of the ocean. Every year the land appeared from the river,

Isis - Goddess of Love

Isis was the very important Goddess of Love in the lives of Ancient Egyptians. She was married to Osiris and the mother of Horus. The tale of their love can be found by clicking on the picture of Isis above. She is one of the four protector Goddesses and she guards coffins and canopic jars. Click on this link to view more information about Isis.

Osiris – The God of the Dead

Osiris was the Egyptian god of the underworld and of vegetation. The myth of his existence can be found by clicking on the picture of Osiris above. Notice the overlap between the stories of Isis and Osiris.

Bast - Goddess of the Home and of the Dometic Cat

Egyptian cat goddess. A goddess of the home and of the domestic cat, although she sometimes took on the war-like aspect of a lioness. Daughter of the sun god Re, although sometimes regarded as the daughter of Amun. Wife of Ptah and mother of the lion-god Mihos. Her cult was centered on her sanctuary at Bubastis in the delta region, where a necropolis has been found containing mummified cats. Bast was also associated with the 'eye of Re', acting as the instrument of the sun god's vengeance. She was depicted as a cat or in human form with the head of a cat, often holding the sacred rattle known as the sistrum.

“Horus was the son of Isis and Osiris. He was a Sky God who was often represented by an image of a falcon and the sun and moon are said to be his eyes. “Horus avenged the death of his father against Seth. Horus lost his left eye (the moon) in the contest between the two. Horus was identified with Lower Egypt and Seth with Upper Egypt in this battle, which lasted eighty years. The gods judged Horus to be the winner, and Seth was killed. The consequence of Horus's victory was the union of Upper and Lower Egypt. The Egyptian pharaoh was believed to be an incarnation of Horus, and the name of Horus formed part of his name. The pharaoh was said to become Horus after death. Seth restored the eye he had torn from Horus, but Horus gave it instead to Osiris. The image of the "eye of Horus", a human eye combined with the cheek markings of a falcon, became a powerful amulet among the Egyptians.”
(Retrieved from: http://sobek.colorado.edu/LAB/GODS/horus.html)

To learn more about the story of Horus and Seth, click the “Wedjat-eye” amulet from the British Museum below.

Egyptian religion is complex and there were often overlapping or contradictory facts within myths so don’t worry if you find conflicting information when reading Egyptian myths.

Activities:
As you have learned, there were many gods in whom the Ancient Egyptians believed.

1. Make a chart of at least 10 significant Egyptian gods. Include a picture and a short, original description of each (approx. 30 words).

These sites will be helpful in completing your activities.
• This one will give you pictures of the gods. Try the challenge.
• This one will give you descriptions. Click on the names of the gods for more information.
• This website should also be of help when you are researching.

2. Write the story of Osiris, Isis and Horus in your own words. Illustrate the story with pictures, either hand drawn or downloaded.

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