The Theban theology
illustration from
Egyptian Mysteries; p.11
(Thames & Hudson, Art and Imagination Series)
The Theban theology, like the Memphite theology,
is based on a primordial triad. In this case it is the triad of Amun,
Mut and Khonsu. The Theban myth of creation is somewhat complicated
and wrapped in obscure symbolism. As Lucy Lamy explains:
At the origin of time, there existed a serpent, Kam-at-f,
'he who has accomplished his time'. As his name indicates, this serpent
ceased to exist when his time was past. He had, however, a son, Ir-ta,
'Creator of the Earth'. Ir-ta continued the work of his father and
created the Eight Primordials of Hermopolis, among whom of course we find
Amun, who declares himself to be the initial serpent, and Amonet. The genealogy
is presented as follows, in terms of four generations:
-
The serpent Kam-at-f, assimilated to Amun-Re of Karnak.
-
The serpent Ir-ta, assimilated to Min-Amun of Luxor.
-
The Eight Primordials, one of whom is Amun, who thus re-generates himself.
-
The solar child who comes forth from the lotus at Hermopolis, in other
words Re, product of the Fight Primordials, and also assimilated to Amun.
[Lucy Lamy,
Egyptian Mysteries; Art and Imagination
Series, Thames & Hudson, 1981, p.11-12]

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page uploaded 2 December 1999, last modified 10 October 2005