Atum facts for kids
Atum was a very important god in ancient Egyptian mythology. He was known as the "creator god." The ancient Egyptians believed he made everything that exists in the world. He was seen as the first being, appearing when nothing else was around. He was the partner of the earth and later the partner of the setting sun.
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Atum: The Creator God
Atum was a powerful god who represented the very beginning of time. Before him, there was only a vast, chaotic water called Nu. The ancient Egyptians believed that Atum rose from these waters all by himself. He was the first living thing in the universe.
How Atum Created the World
According to the ancient Egyptian myths, Atum created the world using his own power. He had both male and female sides within him. From himself, he created his first two children:
- Shu: The god of air.
- Tefnut: The goddess of moisture.
For a while, Shu and Tefnut got lost in the vast waters of Nu. Atum was very worried about them. He sent his special eye, called the Udjat Eye, to go and find his children. The Udjat Eye was a powerful and magical eye that could see everything.
When Shu and Tefnut finally returned, Atum was filled with great joy. He cried tears of happiness. The myths say that where these tears landed on the ground, the first humans were formed. This is how people came to be in the world.
The Birth of Other Gods
After Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture) were created, other gods and goddesses were born from these two elements. The Egyptians believed that Atum was the father of all the gods. This made him a central figure in their religious beliefs. He was seen as the source of all life and creation.
Images for kids
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God Atum in a relief with hieroglyphic caption (Deir el-Bahari)
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The Al-Masalla obelisk, the largest surviving monument from Heliopolis
See also
In Spanish: Atum para niños
