Egyptian Myth: A Very Short Introduction

by Geraldine Pinch

Overview

Egyptian myths articulated the core values of one of the longest lasting civilizations in history, and myths of deities such as Isis and Osiris influenced contemporary cultures and became part of the Western cultural heritage. Egyptian Mythology: A Very Short Introduction explains the cultural and historical background to the fascinating and complex world of Egyptian myth, with each chapter dealing with a particular theme.
To show the variety of source material for Egyptian myth, each chapter features a particular object—such as the obelisk known as Cleopatra's Needle, a golden statue of Tutankhamun, and a papyrus containing a story in which the Egyptian gods behave outrageously—which is illustrated by a photograph or line-drawing. The myth "The Contendings of Horus and Seth" is looked at in detail, and the many interpretations it has provoked are examined. In addition to a list of major deities and myths, there are explanations of related topics such as how hieroglyphs work, royal names and titles, and the Egyptian cosmos. There is also a timeline of Egyptian history, a glossary of technical terms and an up-to-date bibliography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192803467
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	07/08/2004
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.84(w) x 4.42(h) x 0.39(d)
Lexile:	1290L (what's this?)

About the Author

Geraldine Pinch is an Egyptologist at the Oriental Institute of Oxford University and the author of Magic in Ancient Egypt and Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt.

Table of Contents

1. The Myth of Egypt (Imagined Egypts)Key object - Cleopatra's Needle2. Words of the gods (Myth and Language)Key object - The Metternich Stela3. Millions of Gods (Deities and Myth)Key object - Statue of King Amenhotep III with Sobek-Ra4. The Beautiful Moment (Creation Myths)Key object - The Shabaqo Stone5. Everything Which the Sun Encircles (The Landscape of Egyptian Myth)Key object - Coffin painted with underworld map6. Lord of the Two LandsKey object - Statuette of Tutankhamum as Horus the Hunter7. The Big Fight (Conflict and Reconciliation)Key object - Papyrus Chester Beatty I8. The Cosmic Eye (Myth and Symbolism)Key object - 'Sacred eye' Amulet9. Personal Myths (Myth and Popular Religion)Key object - Ivory 'Magic Wand'10. The Return of the MummyKey object - Corn MummyTimeline of Egyptian HistorySuggested further reading