The Pharaonic pantheon (also known across the planes as the Egyptian or Mulhorandi pantheon) was one of the oldest in the multiverse. They were said to have witnessed the faltering first steps of the Prime empires,[1] bringing the gifts of civilisation, marriage and magic.[2]
Description[]
Mulhorandi interpretation of the pantheon - Geb, Hathor, Anhur, Horus-Re, Isis.[3]
Mulhorandi interpretation of the pantheon - Thoth, Nephthys, Osiris, Set, Sebek.[4]
The pantheon consisted of two "groups" - Ra's family (called the Ennead or Psedjet), and the mortals raised to divinity by the Ennead. Rumours claimed that Ptah was the original head of the pantheon, or that another group called the Eight Fathers and Mothers predate even him, but the truth of this was lost to time. Most non-Ennead gods were humans in life, deemed deserving of eternal life at Ra's side, or other spirits that amassed enough worship in Pharaonic societies. Being so old, they have been generally forgotten or supplanted by newer pantheons.[1]
According to legend, Ra's first act was to bring forth his children Shu and Tefnut. They married and gave birth to Geb and Nut, who in turn brought forth Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephythys. The Ennead therefore consisted of nine gods - three threes, showing their early understanding of the Rule of Threes.[1]
Most Pharaonic powers were symbolised by humanoids with the heads of animals that reflected their personality and sphere of influence.[5] They were generally lawful or good, preferring to create than to destroy.[1] The Pharaonic powers worshipped across the planes included:[6]
- Ra, "Pharaoh of the Gods".
- Anhur, "The Falcon of War".
- Anubis, "The Hound of the Dead".
- Apshai, "The Great Mantis".
- Bast, "Mother of Cats".
- Bes, "Short Father".
- Geb, "Father Under the Skies and Sands".
- Horus, "The Avenger".
- Isis, "Lady of Knowledge".
- Nephythys, "Lady of Sands".
- Nut, "Mother Night".
- Osiris, "The White Crown".
- Ptah, "The Opener of the Way".
- Seker, "Lightbringer".
- Set, "Lord of Evil, Defiler of the Dead".
- Shu, "The Upholder".
- Tefnut, "Storm's Fury".
- Thoth, "The Keeper of Knowledge".
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Colin McComb (October 1996). On Hallowed Ground. Edited by Ray Vallese. (TSR, Inc.), p. 84. ISBN 0-7869-0430-5.
- ↑ Colin McComb (October 1996). On Hallowed Ground. Edited by Ray Vallese. (TSR, Inc.), p. 88. ISBN 0-7869-0430-5.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd, Erik Mona (May 2002). Faiths and Pantheons. Edited by Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 143. ISBN 0-7869-2759-3.
- ↑ Eric L. Boyd, Erik Mona (May 2002). Faiths and Pantheons. Edited by Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 145. ISBN 0-7869-2759-3.
- ↑ Colin McComb (October 1996). On Hallowed Ground. Edited by Ray Vallese. (TSR, Inc.), p. 85. ISBN 0-7869-0430-5.
- ↑ Colin McComb (October 1996). On Hallowed Ground. Edited by Ray Vallese. (TSR, Inc.), p. 86. ISBN 0-7869-0430-5.