The diverse pantheon ranged from gods with vital roles in the universe to minor deities or "demons" with very limited or localized functions. Conversely, many natural forces, such as the sun, were associated with multiple deities. This polytheistic system was very complex, as some deities were believed to exist in many different manifestations, and some had multiple mythological roles. Their religious practices were efforts to sustain and placate these phenomena and turn them to human advantage. The Egyptians believed in a pantheon of gods, which were involved in all aspects of nature and human society. These deified forces included the elements, animal characteristics, or abstract forces. The Egyptians believed that the phenomena of nature were divine forces in and of themselves. Main articles: Ancient Egyptian deities and List of ancient Egyptian deities The gods Osiris, Anubis, and Horus in the Tomb of Horemheb ( KV57) in the Valley of the Kings The characteristics of the gods who populated the divine realm were inextricably linked to the Egyptians' understanding of the properties of the world in which they lived. Ancient Egyptian religion consisted of a vast and varying set of beliefs and practices, linked by their common focus on the interaction between the world of humans and the world of the divine. The beliefs and rituals now referred to as "ancient Egyptian religion" were integral within every aspect of Egyptian culture thus the Egyptian language possessed no single term corresponding to the concept of religion. Ancient Egyptian religion and mythology left behind many writings and monuments, along with significant influences on ancient and modern cultures. For a brief period, in the theology promulgated by the pharaoh Akhenaten, a single god, the Aten, replaced the traditional pantheon. At various times, certain gods became preeminent over the others, including the sun god Ra, the creator god Amun, and the mother goddess Isis. The details of religious belief changed over time as the importance of particular gods rose and declined, and their intricate relationships shifted. The religion had its roots in Egypt's prehistory and lasted for 3,500 years. Egyptian belief in the afterlife and the importance of funerary practices is evident in the great efforts made to ensure the survival of their souls after death – via the provision of tombs, grave goods and offerings to preserve the bodies and spirits of the deceased. The popular religious tradition grew more prominent over the course of Egyptian history as the status of the pharaoh declined. These practices were distinct from, but closely linked with, the formal rituals and institutions. Individuals could interact with the gods for their own purposes, appealing for help through prayer or compelling the gods to act through magic. The state dedicated enormous resources to religious rituals and to the construction of temples. They acted as intermediaries between their people and the gods, and were obligated to sustain the gods through rituals and offerings so that they could maintain Ma'at, the order of the cosmos, and repel Isfet, which was chaos. Formal religious practice centered on the pharaohs, the rulers of Egypt, believed to possess divine powers by virtue of their positions. Rituals such as prayer and offerings were provided to the gods to gain their favor. It centered on the Egyptians' interactions with many deities believed to be present and in control of the world. Ancient Egyptian religion was a complex system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals that formed an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |