Floating across the arched heavens above Ancient Egypt was the hero Nut. Her star-speckled nude body formed the ethereal skies above the earthly realm. For over 3,000 years, Egyptian civilization revered Nut as their goddess of the sky and stars. More than just mythology, Nut’s celestial symbolism influenced Egyptian culture, religious beliefs and artistic expression in myriad ways.
History
Nut features prominently in Egyptian creation myths as the daughter of Shu, god of air and Tefnut, goddess of moisture. She was sister and consort to Geb, the earth god. The passionate embrace between Nut and Geb was said to cause chaos, so Shu pushed them apart, creating the air and skies between earth and heaven. Nut gave birth to four children—Osiris, Isis, Seth and Nephthys—who became key Egyptian deities.
The cyclical nature of Nut’s daily swallowing and birthing of the sun reflected the mortal cycle of life and rebirth. As a sky deity reigning over the passage of seasons and time, Nut was seen as a protector promising eternity.
Culture
As a hero reigning over the realm of heaven, Nut’s cosmic powers were invoked regularly in Egyptian daily life. Nut’s image and symbols decorated tombs to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. Her stars guided Egyptian astronomers who pioneered some of the first star charts. The Nut hieroglyph stood for concepts like “sky”, “heaven”, “eternity”, or the universe.
Religion
Nut played a central role in Egyptian mythology and religion. She was worshipped as the Celestial Mother Goddess, invoked to protect souls on their journey through the afterlife. The Pyramid Texts implore Nut to spread her wings and lift the king into the sky. Temples like Abu Simbel aligned with the stars on Nut’s lap, Sirius and Orion.
Art
In Egyptian iconography, Nut was painted on coffin lids and tomb ceilings gazing down protectively. The spectacular Nut frescoes in the Osiris tombs at Abydos depict Nut arching across the ceiling, her star-speckled body elegantly stretching from horizon to horizon. These striking images of Nut remain iconic works of ancient Egyptian art.
Hero Nut represents Egyptian devotion to the eternal cosmos and life’s celestial rhythms. Still inspiring awe today, Nut’s starry saga remains etched forever across the Egyptian heavens.
Image source: ancient-egypt-online.com, media.mythopedia.com