Egyptian mythology offers several versions of the creation of the world, each of which is associated with a particular religious center and its gods. The most famous are the Heliopolis, Hermopolis, and Memphis cosmogonies.
The Heliopolis cosmogony states that in the beginning there was a boundless primordial ocean called Nun. From it arose the god Atum, who appeared on the primordial hill of Benben. Atum created Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture), which gave birth to Geb (earth) and Nut (sky). From Geb and Nut were born Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys. These nine gods make up the Ennead of Heliopolis. This myth emphasizes the importance of the sun and its rising as the beginning of life.
The Hermopolitan cosmogony centers on the Ogdoad, the eight primary gods representing various aspects of chaos: water (Nun and Naunet), infinity (Huh and Haukhet), darkness (Kuk and Kauket), and hiddenness (Amun and Amaunet). The confluence of these forces resulted in the primary hill from which the sun emerged, giving rise to the ordered world.
Memphis cosmogony attributes the creation of the world to the god Ptah, the patron of artisans. According to this myth, Ptah created the world by means of the heart (mental intent) and language (speaking words). He conceived all things in his heart and gave them form by pronouncing the appropriate names. Thus, Ptah created the gods and all the elements of the world.
Despite their differences, all these myths are united by the idea of the emergence of the world from primordial chaos and the importance of divine intervention in establishing order. They reflect the ancient Egyptians’ desire to explain the origin of the world and their place in it.