Story Summary
Discover The First Sunrise of Egyptian mythology, where the god Atum-Ra rises from the primordial waters of Nu to bring light and divine order to the universe.
Before the stars were scattered across the sky and before the earth took shape, there was only Nu—the silent, infinite primordial waters of chaos. For eons, there was no light and no movement. Out of these dark depths, a single mound of earth known as the Benben rose. Upon this sacred hill, the great god Atum willed himself into being through his own thought and desire. Loneliness filled him in the darkness, so he took the form of Ra, the sun. When he opened his eyes, the first sunrise erupted, shattering the eternal night and bringing the concept of time into existence. This radiant light established Ma’at, the divine order of the universe. To populate the new world, Ra breathed out Shu, the wind, and spat out Tefnut, the moisture. Together, they laid the foundation of the physical world, ensuring that every morning thereafter, the sun would return to drive away the shadows of Nu.
The Moral
Out of chaos and darkness, order and light can be willed into existence through purpose and self-awareness.
“I am Atum, the creator of the eldest gods; I am he who created himself.”
Fun Fact
The pointed capstones placed on top of pyramids were called pyramidions, and they were specifically designed to represent the Benben stone and catch the very first rays of the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The First Sunrise?
The story teaches that light and order are the natural results of creation overcoming chaos. it emphasizes that even the most profound darkness can be transformed through will and divine purpose.
What are the primordial waters of Nu?
Nu, or Nun, represents the watery abyss that existed before time and creation. It is the source of all things but also represents the chaotic void that the sun must overcome each day.
Who is Atum-Ra in Egyptian mythology?
Atum-Ra is the self-created creator deity who represents the sun. He is the father of the gods and the force that brought the first light to the world from the Benben mound.
What does the Benben stone represent?
The Benben is the primordial hill that first emerged from the waters of chaos. It symbolizes the first point of solid earth and served as the inspiration for the shape of Egyptian pyramids and obelisks.
What is Ma'at in the context of creation?
Ma'at is the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, and order. The first sunrise was the moment Ma'at was established, replacing the randomness of chaos with the predictable cycles of nature.
How does this story explain the cycle of day and night?
The first sunrise began a perpetual cycle where Ra travels across the sky by day and through the underworld by night. Each morning's sunrise is a reenactment of this original creation story.
