Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt
Worshiped for over three-fifths of recorded history, ancient Egypt's gods and goddesses are among the most fascinating of human civilization.\ The lives of pharaohs and commoners alike were dominated by the need to honor, worship, and pacify the huge pantheon of deities. From lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines, countless tributes throughout Egypt reflect the richness and complexity of their mythology. This book examines the evolution, worship, and...
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Worshiped for over three-fifths of recorded history, ancient Egypt's gods and goddesses are among the most fascinating of human civilization. Publishers Weekly Egyptologist Wilkinson presents a clear, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated (in color and b&w) guide to the bewildering array of Egyptian deities-a complete catalogue of gods and goddesses supplemented by examinations of the history of Egyptian religion, the rise and fall of the gods, and the ways in which they were worshipped. Ancient Egypt was, Wilkinson writes, the most theocratic of any ancient culture; religion pervaded daily life for comoners as well as the pharaohs. This volume underscores the richness of ancient Egyptian beliefs: literally scores of deities are discussed, grouped by appearance: male anthropomorphic, female anthropomorphic, mammalian, avian, etc. For each god or goddess, the author discusses its mythology, iconography and forms of worship. Amun, or Amun-Re, for instance, one of the major male anthropomorphic gods, is discussed as creator god, solar god and fertility god, among other roles; he was originally portrayed with the color red; and he was honored with temples at Karnak and Luxor. This is an excellent reference work for budding Egyptologists and anyone fascinated by the culture of ancient Egypt. (May) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Introduction: Egyptian Religion and the Gods6Chronology8Map9IRise and Fall of the GodsBirth of the Gods12Rule of the Gods16Decline of the Gods20IINature of the GodsForms of the Divine26Manifestations of the Gods32Egypt and Monotheism36IIIWorship of the GodsCare of the Gods42Popular Religion and Piety46Relationships with the Divine50IVKingship and the GodsBetween Gods and Men54Deceased and Divine60Kingship Among the Gods64VThe Catalogue of DeitiesMany Faces of the Divine70Groups of Deities74Male Anthropomorphic Deities92Female Anthropomorphic Deities136Mammalian Deities170Avian Deities200Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Deities218Invertebrate and Insect Deities230Inanimate Object Deities236Epilogue: A Lasting Legacy242Further Reading244Sources of Quotations249Illustrations Credits250Acknowledgments251Index252
\ Publishers WeeklyEgyptologist Wilkinson presents a clear, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated (in color and b&w) guide to the bewildering array of Egyptian deities-a complete catalogue of gods and goddesses supplemented by examinations of the history of Egyptian religion, the rise and fall of the gods, and the ways in which they were worshipped. Ancient Egypt was, Wilkinson writes, the most theocratic of any ancient culture; religion pervaded daily life for comoners as well as the pharaohs. This volume underscores the richness of ancient Egyptian beliefs: literally scores of deities are discussed, grouped by appearance: male anthropomorphic, female anthropomorphic, mammalian, avian, etc. For each god or goddess, the author discusses its mythology, iconography and forms of worship. Amun, or Amun-Re, for instance, one of the major male anthropomorphic gods, is discussed as creator god, solar god and fertility god, among other roles; he was originally portrayed with the color red; and he was honored with temples at Karnak and Luxor. This is an excellent reference work for budding Egyptologists and anyone fascinated by the culture of ancient Egypt. (May) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ Library JournalThis elegant and comprehensive resource thoroughly illustrates and catalogs the Egyptian deities, from early pharaonic times to the Roman period. A respected authority on Egyptian deities and iconography, Wilkinson has published numerous works on this topic and engaged in original research and excavations, and he currently directs the Egyptian Expedition at the University of Arizona. The book is divided into five sections (essays on various topics) outlining the origins of the numerous gods and goddesses, their varied representations, popular worship, and the relationship of the gods and royalty. The final and major section, "The Many Faces of the Divine," is a systematic guide to the gods subdivided by the varied thematic material they depict, e.g., mammals, amphibians, and insects, both male and female. This book abounds with beautiful full-color photographs and drawings that depict tomb paintings, temple reliefs, statues, and more. Although many familiar Egyptian deities are included (e.g., Osiris, Amon, Hathor, and Isis), there is ample coverage of minor figures as well (e.g., Babi and Ba-Pef). Essentially a reference volume despite the essay format, this guidebook to the religious beliefs of a rich culture at its zenith is a pleasure to browse. Highly recommended.-Richard K. Burns, M.S.L.S., Hatboro, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.\ \
