Egyptian MythologyCreation Myths

The Emergence from Nun

From the dark abyss of Nun, Atum rises to create light, life, and the foundations of the world.

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Illustration for The Emergence from Nun - a creation myths Egyptian Mythology story with moral lessons

Story Summary

Discover the ancient Egyptian creation myth, The Emergence from Nun. Learn how Atum rose from the primordial waters to bring order and life to the universe.

Before time began and the sun first rose, there was only Nun, a vast and silent abyss of dark, primordial waters. This was a realm of infinite chaos, containing the potential for all things but possessing no form. From the stillness of these depths, a single mound of earth known as the Benben rose above the surface. Upon this first land appeared Atum, the self-created creator who had willed himself into existence. Standing upon the Benben, Atum felt the heavy silence of the void and desired to create company. Through his own divine essence, he brought forth Shu, the god of air, and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. These two deities became the breath and the water of the new world. Their union eventually produced Geb, the earth, and Nut, the sky. When the sky and earth were separated by the air, a space was created for life to flourish. Thus, from the stagnant silence of Nun, the vibrant order of the universe was born, setting the cycle of life and time into eternal motion.

The Moral

Order and life emerge from chaos through the power of self-creation and will. It reminds us that even in the greatest emptiness, there is the potential for infinite growth.

“Out of the silent waters, the first light of creation found its voice.”

Fun Fact

The concept of the primordial mound influenced the design of the Great Pyramids, which were intended to represent the Benben stone rising toward the sun god.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Emergence from Nun?

The story teaches that order and purpose can arise from chaotic, formless states. It emphasizes the importance of creative will in establishing the foundations of the world.

Who is Atum in Egyptian mythology?

Atum is the primordial creator god who willed himself into existence from the waters of Nun. He is often associated with the sun and is the progenitor of the Great Ennead of Heliopolis.

What does Nun represent in the creation myth?

Nun represents the infinite, dark, and silent watery abyss that existed before time. It is the source of all potentiality but lacks form or order until the process of creation begins.

What is the significance of the Benben stone?

The Benben is the first solid ground to emerge from the waters of Nun. It served as the symbolic prototype for the pyramids and obelisks, representing the beginning of the physical world.

How did the first Egyptian gods originate?

Atum produced Shu and Tefnut through his own essence, representing the transition from a single entity to a pair. Their descendants then formed the earth, sky, and the rest of the pantheon.

Why did Shu separate Geb and Nut?

Shu, the god of air, separated Geb (earth) and Nut (sky) to create the atmosphere. This separation was necessary to provide a space for living creatures to exist and for time to pass.