Benu

Transmuted bird-like form of a sun god. Egyptian (Upper). A deity mentioned in Pyramid Texts (circa twenty-fifth century BC) and linked with the sun god of Heliopolis, ATUM. He is also said to have been self-created from the primeval ocean and is sometimes a symbol of rebirth in the afterlife.

Ennead

The Heliopolis pantheon. Egyptian (Lower). The nine major deities enumerated and given their genealogy by the priesthood of Heliopolis, the center of the sun-worshiping cult in Lower Egypt.

ATUM

ORIGIN Egyptian. Sun god and creator god.

KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP Old Kingdom (circa 2700 BC) to end of Egyptian history (circa AD 400).

SYNONYMS Atum-Re.

CENTER(S) OF CULT Heliopolis.

Acacia

by Alex Hopson

 
The gods are said to have been born underneath the goddess Saosis’ Acacia tree, north of Heliopolis. Horus was supposed to have emerged from the tree, according to the pyramid text 436. The book of the dead refers to the tree as:
‘I betook myself to the Acacia Tree of the [divine] Children.’

[The Chapter Of] Entering into the Hall Of Maati to praise Osiris Khenti-Amenti.