Geb is an important figure in Egyptian mythology. He is known as the god of the earth, and held significant power over snakes, earthquakes, and the underworld. As the third king of Egypt, he was closely associated with kingship and royal power. Geb’s name is derived from the Egyptian word “gb,” which means “earth.” He was often depicted as a man lying on his back, with his arms and legs stretched out to represent the earth’s surface.
Geb’s family tree is complex, as he was the son of Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture), and the twin brother and husband of Nut (sky goddess). Together, they had four children: Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys. Geb was also considered the father of Horus the Elder, who was born from his union with Nut. In Egyptian mythology, Geb was often associated with fertility and growth, as the earth was seen as the source of life. He was also closely tied to the afterlife, as he was believed to preside over the underworld and act as a judge in the Divine Tribunal of the gods.
Overview
Geb was an important god in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. He was regarded as the god of the earth, the physical support of the world. As the third king of Egypt, following Ra and Shu, Geb was closely tied to kingship and royal power.
The name “Geb” is derived from the Egyptian word for earth. He was often depicted lying by the feet of Shu, the air god, with Nut, the goddess of the sky, arched above them.
Geb’s attributes included snakes, earthquakes, and the underworld. He was also associated with a mythological divine creator goose who had laid a world egg from which the sun and/or the world had sprung.
Geb’s family tree was complex, with his grandfather being Atum, the self-created creator god, his father being Shu, the god of air, and his mother being Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. Geb had several siblings, including Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys. He was married to his sister, Nut, the goddess of the sky, and they had several children together.
Overall, Geb was a significant figure in ancient Egyptian mythology and played an important role in the beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians.
Etymology
Geb is an Egyptian god whose name means “earth” or “soil.” He is often depicted as a man with green skin, representing the fertile land, and sometimes with plants growing from his body. The name Geb is also spelled Keb, Seb, or Sebb, depending on the time period and region.
The name Geb is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “gb,” which means “to be raised” or “to be high.” This is fitting for a god associated with the earth, as the land rises up from the depths of the underworld. Geb is also associated with the concept of stability, as the earth provides a solid foundation for life.
In Egyptian mythology, Geb is one of the Ennead, a group of nine deities worshipped in the city of Heliopolis. He is the son of Shu, the god of air, and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. Geb is also the father of many important gods, including Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys.
Overall, the name Geb reflects the importance of the earth in ancient Egyptian culture, as well as the god’s role as a stabilizing force in the natural world.
Attributes
Physical Description
Geb is often depicted as a man with a green or black-colored body, symbolizing the fertility and richness of the earth. He is sometimes shown with a goose on his head, which represents fertility and the cycle of life. Geb is also depicted lying on his back with his arms and legs outstretched, representing the flat and fertile land of Egypt.
Symbolism
As the god of the earth, Geb is associated with agriculture, fertility, and growth. He is often depicted holding a sheaf of wheat or barley, symbolizing the abundance of crops that grow from the earth. Geb is also closely associated with snakes, which were believed to be guardians of the underworld and protectors of the dead.
Powers
Geb’s powers are closely tied to his role as the god of the earth. He was believed to have the power to cause earthquakes and tremors, which were seen as a sign of his anger or displeasure. Geb was also believed to have the power to control the weather, particularly the rains that were necessary for crops to grow. Finally, Geb was believed to have the power to grant fertility and prosperity to those who worshipped him, and to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Geb was the son of Shu, the god of air and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. He was a member of the Ennead of Heliopolis, which was a group of nine deities in ancient Egyptian mythology. According to the myth, Geb was born when Shu separated the sky and the earth, lifting Nut (the sky) away from Geb (the earth).
Descendants
Geb was married to his sister Nut, the goddess of the sky, and they had four children: Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys. Osiris became the god of the afterlife, while Isis was the goddess of fertility and motherhood. Seth was the god of chaos and violence, and Nephthys was the goddess of death and mourning.
Geb’s descendants were important figures in Egyptian mythology and were often associated with powerful forces such as death, fertility, and chaos. The story of their family tree was also closely tied to the myth of the pharaohs, as they were believed to be descendants of the gods and were considered divine rulers. The legacy of Geb and his family can still be seen in modern depictions of ancient Egyptian mythology and in popular culture.
Mythology
Creation Myths
In the Heliopolis creation myth, Geb was created by his parents, Shu and Tefnut, who were themselves created by Atum. Geb was born alongside his sister Nut, the goddess of the sky. Together, they were powerful forces of creation. Geb and Nut went on to have four children of their own, Osiris, Set, Isis, and Nephthys.
Cultural Significance
Geb was an important member of the Egyptian pantheon, and was closely tied to kingship and royal power. He was believed to have the power to make crops grow, and his laughter was said to create earthquakes. Geb was also associated with snakes, and was sometimes considered to be the father of these creatures.
Legends and Tales
One of the most famous stories involving Geb is his love affair with his sister, Nut. According to legend, the two were deeply in love, but their father, Shu, was angered by their relationship and physically separated them by placing himself between them. Another well-known myth involving Geb is his role in the battle between Horus and Set. In this story, Geb serves as a mediator between the two warring gods, helping to bring about a peaceful resolution to their conflict.