Khnum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Khnum
God of the source of the Nile
The Egyptian god Khnum
Major cult center	Elephantine
Symbol	the potter's wheel
Consort	Heqet, Satis, Mehet-Weret, Menhit, Nebtu, Neith

Khnum was a very important god in ancient Egypt. He was known as the god of the Nile's source. The Nile River's yearly flood brought rich soil and water. This made the land fertile and brought life. Because of this, people believed Khnum created the bodies of human children. He was thought to make them on a potter's wheel using clay.

Later, people also believed he shaped other gods. He was called the "Divine Potter" and "Lord of created things." Khnum is sometimes shown with a crocodile head. His main partners were Nebt-uu and Menhit. Heka was his oldest son. Ancient texts from Esna call Khnum a creator god. He was also called the "father of the fathers." Later, he became known as the father of Ra, the sun god. Sometimes, he was even called Khnum-Re.

Worshiping Khnum

People mainly worshipped Khnum in two places. These were Elephantine and Esna, both along the Nile River. These sites were considered very special. At Elephantine, Khnum was worshipped with Anuket and Satis. They were seen as protectors of the Nile River's source. Khnum was also sometimes linked to the god Min.

The Temple at Elephantine

A special temple at Elephantine was built for Khnum. It also honored his partner Satis and their daughter Anuket. This temple is very old, dating back to at least the Middle Kingdom. During the Eleventh Dynasty, Khnum, Satis, and Anuket were all worshipped there. Even during the New Kingdom, people like Ramesses II still worshipped Khnum at this temple.

How Khnum Was Shown in Art

In art, Khnum was usually shown as a man with a ram's head. He was often seen at a potter's wheel. On the wheel, there would be newly created children. He was also sometimes shown holding a jar. A stream of water would flow from this jar. This showed his connection to the Nile River.

Images for kids

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  Cnouphis-Nilus (Jupiter-Nilus, Dieu Nil), N372.2, Brooklyn Museum

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  Khnum, with the goddess Heqet, shaping Ihy in a carving from the mammisi (birth temple) at Dendera Temple complex, Egypt

See also

In Spanish: Jnum para niños