At the heart of the mythical Egyptian firmament, the goddess Nut fascinates with her celestial aura. Worshipped for enveloping the world in her starry mantle, Nut embodies infinity and watches over cosmic order. This article explores Nut's rich symbolism, particularly her essential role as a maternal deity. We look at mythological accounts, artistic representations and the cult dedicated to her, to better understand her place in Egyptian history.
Introduction
Origins and mythology of Nut
Etymology and meaning of the name Nut
Nut (or Nout) is a name shrouded in mystery. In ancient Egyptian, it evokes the sky, the vault of heaven. It is the daytime and nighttime covering of the world, representing both the protective barrier and the domain of the stars.
Creation legends and mythical tales associated with Nut
According to Egyptian beliefs, Nut was separated from her brother and husband Geb, the earth, by the air god Shu at the behest of Atum. This separation created the space for life to exist between earth and sky.
Role and importance in the Egyptian pantheon
Nut is a keystone in the Egyptian pantheon, governing the cycles of life and death. She is the mother of the luminaries, begetting the sun each morning so that it may be reborn again after its nocturnal passage through her celestial body.
Nut as maternal deity
Nut as mother of the stars and deities
It is in her role as universal nurturer that Nut shines brightest. Nursing the stars, she is often described as the progenitor of many gods, including Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys.
Nut's symbolic associations with motherhood
Divine motherhood is a central theme in Nut's veneration. Her arms extended in a protective gesture symbolize the reception and sublimation of souls.
Ancient texts evoking Nut in a maternal role
The Pyramid Texts bear witness to her nurturing role, where she offers meals to the departed kings to guarantee their eternity among the stars.
Representations of Nut
Iconography and symbolism
In Egyptian art, Nut is frequently depicted stretching out over the world, her body filled with stars, in a protective embrace.
Nut nursing the stars: a cosmological interpretation
Nursing the stars is a metaphor for celestial regeneration and universal perpetuity according to Egyptian cosmology.
The importance of the starry vault in tombs and temples
The starry vault was omnipresent in Egyptian architecture, as in the tombs, where it represented paradise and a path to the afterlife.
Artistic variations of Nut through the ages
From the New Kingdom to the Late Period, representations of Nut evolved, but always retained this link with the cosmos and maternal protection.
The cult of Nut within Egyptian society
Festivals and rites in honor of Nut
The festival of Nut, celebrated on New Year's Eve, was associated with regeneration and renewal.
Nut in Egyptian daily life
Nut also influenced the Egyptian calendar and daily practices such as agriculture and navigation.
Link between the cult of Nut and Egyptian royalty
Egyptian royalty often identified with Nut, seeing in his celestial authority a model of governance.
International comparisons
Parallels with other celestial deities in world mythologies
Nut shares similarities with other figures such as Ouranos in Greece or An in Mesopotamia.
The concept of the maternal deity in different cultures
The figure of the universal mother can be found in many cultures, from the Neolithic Great Goddess to the Virgin Mary in Christianity.
Nut in contemporary popular culture
References to Nut in modern art and literature
Nut still inspires artists and writers today, eager to capture its protective and nurturing essence.
Nut in the media and entertainment
In video games, comic strips or TV series, Nut makes frequent appearances, underlining the enduring interest in ancient Egypt and its deities.
Conclusion
Summary of key aspects concerning Nut and its association with divine motherhood
Nut embodies the beauty of the night sky, the promise of rebirth and the tenderness of a maternal protector.
Nut's enduring impact on spirituality and symbolism
Nut's legacy endures, evoking the eternal link between the human condition and the mysterious spectacle of the cosmos.
References
- Comprehensive list of academic works and primary sources on Egyptian mythology and the goddess Nut.
Appendices
Illustrations and artistic representations of Nut
- Gallery of images capturing Nut's splendor through various artistic periods.
Mapping of major cult sites related to Nut
- A map of places of veneration and temples dedicated to Nut in ancient Egypt.
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