Nut, the Egyptian goddess of the sky, is a prominent figure in Egyptian mythology. She was the daughter of Tefnut and Shu, and the granddaughter of Ra himself. Nut was often depicted as a star-covered nude woman arching over the Earth, with the water-pot sign (nw) identifying her. Her husband Geb was the god of the earth.
In Egyptian mythology, Nut played a crucial role as a protective shield and giver of life. She was born from divine parents and connected to the cosmic world. Egyptians believed that Nut and Geb separated during the day, but in the evening, Nut would come down to Earth to meet with Geb. Her absence from the sky resulted in darkness. Two different Egyptian myths place Nut as having vital powers in the sequence of day and night.
This article will provide an overview of Nut’s etymology, attributes, family tree, and mythology. The article will draw on information from various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of this important figure in Egyptian mythology.
Overview
Nut was an Egyptian goddess who was highly revered in ancient Egypt. She was known as the goddess of the sky and was depicted as a woman with a star-covered body, arching over the earth. Nut was believed to be the daughter of Tefnut and Shu, and the granddaughter of Ra himself.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Nut was paired with her husband, Geb, who was the god of the earth. Together, they were believed to be responsible for the creation of the world. Nut was also associated with the cycle of day and night, and her absence from the sky resulted in darkness.
Nut was a popular goddess in ancient Egypt, and her worship was widespread throughout the country. She was often depicted in temples and tombs, and her image was used in various forms of art, such as paintings and sculptures. Her name, Nut, is believed to have been derived from the Egyptian word “nwt,” which means “sky.”
Overall, Nut was a powerful and important goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology. Her role as the goddess of the sky and her association with the cycle of day and night made her an integral part of the Egyptian creation myth. Her legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
Etymology
The word “nut” has several meanings and origins. In the context of food, it refers to any hard-shelled seed or dry fruit from various plant families. Peanuts, cashews, pistachios, and Brazil nuts are some examples of nuts. The word “nut” comes from the Old English word “hnutu” which means “nut” or “fruit of the oak”. The word was inherited from Germanic languages.
Apart from its food-related meaning, “nut” is also used as a slang term in American English to refer to an amount of money required for something. This usage of the word is recorded as early as 1912. In British English, “nut” is also used to mean a crazy or eccentric person, with the term “nutter” being used as a noun to describe such a person. “Nut-case” is another term used to describe a crazy person, and it was first recorded in 1959. “Nut-house” is a slang term for an insane asylum, and it has been in use since at least 1929.
The word “nut” also has a mythological origin. In Egyptian mythology, Nut was the goddess of the sky, stars, and cosmos. She was the daughter of Tefnut and Shu and the granddaughter of Ra himself. Nut was often depicted as a star-covered nude woman arching over the Earth or as a cow. Her name, “Nwt” in Ancient Egyptian, is derived from the word for “sky” or “heaven”.
Attributes
Physical Characteristics
Nut was often depicted as a woman arching over the sky, with her hands and feet touching the horizon. She was also portrayed as a star-covered nude woman or a cow. The symbol for her name was a water pot, which was usually positioned on her head.
Nutritional Profile
As a goddess, Nut does not have a nutritional profile. However, the Egyptians believed that Nut was responsible for the growth and harvest of crops. She was also associated with the flooding of the Nile River, which brought fertility to the land.
Culinary Uses
Nut was not used in any culinary dishes or recipes. However, the Egyptians believed that Nut provided the necessary elements for the growth of crops, which were then used in their cuisine.
Overall, Nut was a powerful goddess associated with the sky, stars, and the growth of crops. Her physical characteristics, as well as her role in Egyptian mythology, make her an important figure in ancient Egyptian religion and culture.
Family Tree
Botanical Classification
Nut is a goddess from the ancient Egyptian religion, and her family tree is closely tied to the mythology of the religion. Nut is the daughter of Tefnut, the goddess of moisture, and Shu, the god of the air. She is also the granddaughter of Ra, the sun god. Some accounts say that she is the mother of Ra, while others state that she is his grandmother.
Common Varieties
Nut has a brother named Geb, who is the god of the earth. According to mythology, Nut and Geb were originally married, but were separated by their father, Shu. Despite this, they continued to love each other and had four children together: Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys.
The family tree of Nut is important in Egyptian mythology as it represents the balance between the sky and the earth. The sky is represented by Nut, while the earth is represented by Geb. Their children represent various aspects of life and nature, such as death, fertility, and the Nile River.
Overall, the family tree of Nut is a complex and important aspect of ancient Egyptian mythology. It highlights the importance of balance and harmony in the natural world, and the interconnectedness of all aspects of life.
Mythology
Cultural Significance
Nut was a revered goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology. She was believed to be the goddess of the sky, stars, cosmos, mothers, astronomy, and the universe. The ancient Egyptians believed that Nut was responsible for protecting the world and its inhabitants from harm. She was also known for her role in the afterlife, where she was believed to help the souls of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
Historical References
Nut’s mythology is deeply rooted in the ancient Egyptian religion. According to the myth, Nut was the daughter of Shu, the god of the air, and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. She was also the granddaughter of Ra, the sun god. Nut was believed to have given birth to Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys, who were all important gods and goddesses in the ancient Egyptian pantheon.
One of the most famous myths associated with Nut is the story of how she was able to give birth to her children. According to the myth, Nut was in love with Geb, the god of the earth. However, Ra, the sun god, had forbidden them from being together. To overcome this obstacle, Nut enlisted the help of Thoth, the god of wisdom. Thoth challenged Ra to a game of senet, a popular board game in ancient Egypt. Thoth won the game and as a result, Ra was forced to allow Nut to give birth to her children.