6. NATURE OF THE GODS; DIVINE PLACE AND WISDOM
Note: Quiz does not pre-empt exam 1
Nature of Gods
Names
Physical features
Two Egyptian words/concepts:
KHEPERU (literally "forms")
-projections of gods' qualities, powers, etc.
IRU (literally "something made")-visual manifestation of one of a god's KHEPERU
Example of Ptah:
--
Creator god of Memphis: raw forces and potential
KHEPERU
Ptah with specific characteristics: creator god, brings creation into being with speech
IRU
Visible, tangible manifestation of god Ptah
Gods' bodies
Flesh
Gold
Silver
Lapis Lazuli
God's flesh in representational art:
Special (Green, Blue, Black: fertility, death, rebirth, creator--Osiris, Ptah, etc.)
Typical (Male: dark or reddish brown, Female: yellow or gold)
Ideal appearances of gods
Gods' bodies vulnerable but regenerative
Gods' bodies produce:
Breath
smell
bodily fluids:
- spit
- tears
- semen
- blood
- sweat
Gods' waste (urine, excrement)
Gods consume: food & drink + special things
Gods' bodies:
-Size
-Clothed/unclothed
-Animal forms
Gods' bodies in action:
Birth, childhood
Social interaction
Sex
Sickness and injury
Fighting
Age and death
Gods' space
"heavens"
Gods" Egypt
Egypt: Nile Valley
Delta: papyrus thicket
Outside of Egypt
"Netherworld"
Gods' knowledge
Inborn and acquired/Innate and learned
SIA: All possible knowledge (“sign of
recognition”)
REKH: transmittable knowledge
HEKA: “gut” knowledge (“magic”)
Power of knowing a name:
A god’s secret name
Myth of Isis and Re
Thoth: god of wisdom, speech, language,
writing, etc.
HU: “creative voice”
|| SIA “sign of recognition”
Writing: “divine words”
Thoth as scribe