Egyptian Gods and Myths

This book describes the complex and often confusing relationship between the ancient Egyptian and his many gods and goddesses. The development of beliefs in animal divinities and their later depictions in human and hybrid forms are discussed. There is a section on cosmic deities and intellectual concepts and a chapter on the particular role of the divine king and the deification of certain individuals during the course of Egypt's long history. Myths and legends about the creation of the world, about the sund god Re and about Osiris, the ruler of the dead, and his son Horus are related and explained. Ideas about the life after death, the individual's hope for eternity and the preparations, provisions and aspects which were regarded as necessary to achieve immortality are summarised. There is also a glossary of the major gods and goddesses, many of whom are illustrated by photographs in the book.