Norea facts for kids

Norea is an important character in ancient stories called Gnostic texts. These stories come from a very old collection of writings known as the Nag Hammadi library. Norea is often seen as a strong and wise figure in these tales.

Who is Norea?

Norea appears in different ways in various Gnostic writings. She is a special person in their understanding of the universe, which is called cosmology.

Norea in Ancient Gnostic Books

Two important books from the Nag Hammadi library tell us about Norea.

The Story of The Hypostasis of the Archons

In a book called The Hypostasis of the Archons (which means The Reality of the Rulers), Norea is described as the daughter of Adam and Eve. She is also the younger sister of Seth. These characters are part of a special, pure group of people in the story.

In this tale, powerful beings called archons decide to flood the world to destroy it. However, their leader, known as the Demiurge, warns Noah to build a big boat called an ark. Norea tries to get onto Noah's ark, but he stops her. Because she is prevented from boarding, Norea uses her power to blow on the ark, and it catches fire!

After this, Norea receives a special message from a divine being called the Luminary Eleleth. This message gives her important knowledge and understanding.

The Story of The Thought of Norea

Another text, Thought of Norea, shows Norea as an even older and more powerful figure. In this story, she seems to represent a divine wisdom figure known as Sophia, who has fallen from a higher place. This means Norea's story stretches back to the very beginning of time in Gnostic beliefs.

Norea in Other Traditions

In some other ancient writings, like those from the Mandean people, Norea is mentioned differently. She is sometimes identified as the wife of either Noah or his son, Shem. This shows how different groups had their own versions of these ancient stories.