Home -> Encyclopedia -> Mythology – Mythological Symbols and Their Meanings Ancient Egyptian Mythology
1. “The Eye of Horus”: Focused on the infamous Eye of Horus, this article investigates the symbol’s significance in ancient Egyptian culture as a representation of protection, royal power, and good health. Also discussed is its connection to the myth of Osiris’ murder by his brother Set and the subsequent quest of his son Horus to avenge his death.
2. “The Scarab Beetle”: A deep dive into the symbolic meaning of the Scarab Beetle in ancient Egyptian mythology. This entry details the beetle’s link to the sun god Khepri, its embodiment of the ideas of creation, renewal, and transformation, and the cultural practices related to it, such as the creation of amulets and seals.
3. “Ankh – The Key of Life”: This entry explores the Ankh’s prominence in the symbolic language of ancient Egypt. The article illustrates its association with eternal life, the interconnection between the physical and spiritual realms and its frequent depiction in the hands of deities, denoting their power to grant life or immortality.
4. “The Djed Pillar”: An in-depth examination of the Djed Pillar’s significance as a symbol of stability, durability, and rebirth. The article also touches on its connection to Osiris, the god of death and resurrection.
5. “The Feather of Maat”: This contribution looks at the Feather of Maat, revered in ancient Egyptian society as embodying cosmic order, truth, morality, and justice. It also describes how the feather played a crucial role in the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ ceremony, a pivotal stage in the journey of souls to the afterlife.
6. “The Lotus Flower”: Here, the focus is on the Lotus Flower’s symbolism related to rebirth and the sun, due to its unique blooming habit coinciding with the sunrise. The article also considers the flower’s frequent representation in art and temples.
7. “The Uraeus (Cobra)”: This entry investigates the Uraeus symbol, a rearing cobra often depicted in crowns, headpieces, or worn by deities and pharaohs, interpreted as a symbol of sovereignty, divine authority, and protection against evil.
8. “Pyramids and their Geometry”: This expansive piece discusses the Pyramids’ symbolic and literal significance within ancient Egyptian culture and their geometric design’s integral meaning, thought previously to mirror the sun’s rays.
9. “The Sphinx”: An exploration of the Sphinx, considered a symbol of strength, wisdom, and mystery. The article looks at both the physical structures found in Egypt and the creature’s representation within ancient mythology.
10. “The Bennu Bird (Phoenix)”: Lastly, this article studies the Bennu bird, often compared to the Phoenix. This symbol of creation and renewal has deep roots in ancient Egyptian mythology and its association with the sun god, Ra.