Myth and Symbol in Ancient Egypt


Book Description

This classic study remains the best single introduction to the Egyptian mythological world. The Egyptians lived apart from the rest of the ancient world, and it is this isolation that makes their ideas so difficult to appreciate and interpret. Egyptian though was presented in terms of mythology: myth was used to convey insights into the workings of nature and the ultimately indescribable realities of the soul ...




The Cosmological Origins of Myth and Symbol


Book Description

Reconstructs a theoretic parent cosmology that underlies ancient religion • Shows how this parent cosmology provided the conceptual origins of written language • Uses techniques of comparative cosmology to synchronize the creation traditions of the Dogon, ancient Egyptians, and ancient Buddhists • Applies the signature elements of this parent cosmology to explore and interpret the creation tradition of a present-day Tibetan/Chinese tribe called the Na-Khi--the keepers of the world’s last surviving hieroglyphic language Great thinkers and researchers such as Carl Jung have acknowledged the many broad similarities that exist between the myths and symbols of ancient cultures. One largely unexplored explanation for these similarities lies in the possibility that these systems of myth all descended from one common cosmological plan. Outlining the most significant aspects of cosmology found among the Dogon, ancient Egyptians, and ancient Buddhists, including the striking physical and cosmological parallels between the Dogon granary and the Buddhist stupa, Laird Scranton identifies the signature attributes of a theoretic ancient parent cosmology--a planned instructional system that may well have spawned these great ancient creation traditions. Examining the esoteric nature of cosmology itself, Scranton shows how this parent cosmology encompassed both a plan for the civilized instruction of humanity as well as the conceptual origins of language. The recurring shapes in all ancient religions were key elements of this plan, designed to give physical manifestation to the sacred and provide the means to conceptualize and compare earthly dimensions with those of the heavens. As a practical application of the plan, Scranton explores the myths and language of an obscure Chinese priestly tribe known as the Na-Khi--the keepers of the world’s last surviving hieroglyphic language. Suggesting that cosmology may have engendered civilization and not the other way around, Scranton reveals how this plan of cosmology provides the missing link between our macroscopic universe and the microscopic world of atoms.




Egyptian Mythology


Book Description

Do you know that Egyptians had over 2000 gods and goddesses? To understand how the ancient Egyptians saw the world around them, we begin our journey by exploring their beliefs of how the world and man came to be. Discover: How the gods and the rhythm of life were created. The myth of Osiris, Seth, and Isis where brother betrays brother, and the love of a wife sees her husband resurrected to take up the crown of the Underworld. Horus' revenge as a son fights to reclaim his birthright. The Adventure on the Sun Boat. The Goddess of Cats and enjoy her story as the avenger and protector of the innocent. The Girl with the Red-Rose Slippers a rags-to-riches story of a slave girl who became queen. The Shipwrecked Sailor the adventure of a marooned sailor on an enchanted island inhabited by giant golden snakes! The Treasure Thief the story of a cunning thief who wins the hand of a princess. Se-Osiris and the Sealed Letter an epic battle of magic unfolds between an Egyptian boy and an Ethiopian giant in a David and Goliath tale. Get this book and discover the fascinating world of Greek Mythology today!




Egyptian Myth: A Very Short Introduction


Book Description

This text explains the cultural and historical background to the fascinating and complex world of Egyptian myth, with each chapter dealing with a particular theme.




Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt


Book Description

Unearth the mythology of ancient Egypt—stories of gods and goddesses for kids 8 to 12 From the rising of the morning sun to the summer flooding of the Nile River, the ancient Egyptians believed powerful gods and goddesses ruled over every aspect of their daily lives. This Egyptian mythology guide takes you on a trip through the sands of time to explore the world of pharaohs and sphinxes—ancient Egypt! Featuring illustrated myths of incredible Egyptian gods and goddesses, these stories describe the magic each deity performed along the Nile. You'll also learn about how Egyptian mythology was a key part of ancient Egyptian culture, like pyramid building, the mummification process, and even the worshiping of cats. This Egyptian mythology collection includes: Narratives from the Nile—Explore the gods and goddesses of Egyptian mythology, from the familiar to the lesser-known, through 20 easy-to-follow myths. Amazing artwork—Take a look at the gods, goddesses, and artifacts of the long-extinct ancient Egyptian empire with captivating illustrations and photos. Fast pharaoh facts—Dig into ancient Egyptian mythology and culture with plenty of awesome facts on everything from hieroglyphs to the popular board game, Senet. Explore the legendary lives of ancient gods and goddesses with this rich treasury of Egyptian mythology.




gods and myths of ancient egypt


Book Description

"Robert Armour's classic text, long cherished by a generation of readers, is now complemented with more than 50 new photographs by Egyptologist Edwin Brock and drawings by Elizabeth Rodenbeck that show the gods in their characteristic forms." "Armour maintains a strong narrative thread with illuminating commentary in his lively retelling of stories from Egyptian mythology, including those of the sun god Ra, the tragic tale of Isis and Osiris, the burlesque of Horus' battle with the evil Seth, and the "gods of the intellect" Thoth and Maat. Now with an updated bibliography and new appendices, this book is sure to inform and enchant a new generation of readers."--Jacket.




Ancient Egyptian Symbols


Book Description

This book identifies, for the first time since antiquity, the sources and meanings of more than 50 ancient Egyptian symbols, including the Eye of Horus, evil god Seth and his strange head, 10 major crowns, and the symbolic foundations of Osirian mythology, backbone of ancient Egyptian religion for more than 2000 years. These are paradigm-changing discoveries. Most of them are based on detailed examinations of living examples of ancient Egypt's two sacred flowers - the Blue and the White Waterlilies - and on resurrection texts found in ancient Egyptian tombs. More than 300 detailed illustrations, beautifully presented, make these discoveries easy to understand and appreciate. The book is organized for the general reader and scholar alike. *Andrew Weil, MD - "Remarkable discoveries that, once seen, are completely obvious. A revelatory work." *Carol Andrews, Egyptologist, author of "Amulets of Ancient Egypt," at the British Museum for 27 years - "This truly remarkable publication challenges the world of Egyptology to reassess long-held and clearly incorrect theories about the origin and meaning of so many symbols and representational forms which are fundamental to our understanding of ancient Egypt."




Egyptian Mythology


Book Description

Do you know that the ancient Egyptians believed that People were made out of clay by their river god? For eons, the wisdom cultivated by the Egyptian people has been extolled time and time again. These timeless myths are fountains of insight and, many would argue, beacons of light that can shatter the darkness of ignorance. For those of you that are ready and willing to receive these ancient messages, your time has come. All you need to do is start reading. Then the wisdom of Thoth will begin to stir inside you. Some of the stories that you will find in this book are: The Story of Re The Book of Thoth The Story of Isis and Osiris Anubis and the Underworld The Great Queen Hatshepsut Horus: The Conquer of Set The Shipwrecked Sailor The Girl with Rose-Red Slippers The Adventure of Sinuhe The Taking of Joppa The Land of the Dead The Golden Lotus The Seven Year Famine: Khnemu of the Nile Bastet and the Cats The Peasant and the Workman Sphinx and the Prince The Treasure Thief And more! Every story has been formatted to create a clear and concise retelling for all of those who are not already familiar with the lore of ancient Egyptian culture!







Egyptian Mythology: A Traveler's Guide from Aswan to Alexandria


Book Description

This unique approach to Egyptian mythology takes readers on a tour up the Nile, stopping at the most famous monuments and vividly retelling the myths connected to each site. Join Egyptologist Garry J. Shaw on an entertaining tour up the Nile, through a beautiful and fascinating landscape populated with a rich mythology: the stories of Horus, Isis, Osiris, and their enemies and allies in tales of vengeance, tragedy, and fantastic metamorphoses. Shaw retells these stories with his characteristic wit, and reconnects them to the temples and monuments that still stand today, offering a fresh look at the most visited sites of Egypt. The myths of ancient Egypt have survived in fragments of ancient hymns and paintings on the walls of tombs and temples, spells inked across coffins, and stories scrawled upon scrolls. Illustrations throughout bring to life the creation of the world and the nebulous netherworld; the complicated relationships between fickle gods, powerful magicians, and pharaohs; and eternal battles on a cosmic scale. Shaw’s evocative descriptions of the ancient ruins will transport readers to another landscape—including the magnificent sites of Dendera, Tell el-Amarna, Edfu, and Thebes. At each site, they will discover which gods or goddesses were worshipped there, as well as the myths and stories that formed the backdrop to the rituals and customs of everyday life. Each chapter ends with a potted history of the site, as well as tips for visiting the ruins today. Egyptian Mythology is the perfect companion to the myths of Egypt and the gods and goddesses that shaped its ancient landscape.




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