Nun is the personification of the primordial watery abyss from which all creation emerged in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is not a creator god in the active sense, but rather the inert, infinite source of potential that existed before the world began.
Who Is Nun?
In Egyptian cosmogony, Nun (also spelled Nu or Nuu) represents the dark, chaotic, and boundless waters that existed before creation. He is often depicted as a man holding up a solar barque, or as a figure with upraised arms supporting the sky goddess Nut. Nun is described as the father of the sun god Atum, who rose from the waters on a primordial mound to begin creation. Unlike many other Egyptian deities, Nun had no temples or cult centers dedicated to him; instead, he was a concept—the abstract idea of chaos and potentiality that preceded order.
The Role of Nun in Creation Myths
Different Egyptian cities had their own creation stories, but most began with Nun. In the Heliopolitan tradition, Atum created himself from Nun by uttering his own name. In the Memphite tradition, the god Ptah conceived creation in his heart and spoke it into being, with Nun as the medium. In the Hermopolitan Ogdoad, Nun and his female counterpart Naunet were part of a group of eight deities representing primordial forces. In all these accounts, Nun is the starting point—the watery chaos that contained the potential for all life.
Nun and the Sun God
Nun’s most important role was as the father of the sun god. Each night, the sun god Ra traveled through the underworld, and each morning he was reborn from Nun’s waters. This daily cycle mirrored the original creation, with Nun providing the regenerative power that allowed the sun to rise again. In some texts, Nun is said to have advised Ra to create the world, and he is often shown raising the solar barque from the waters. This connection made Nun a symbol of renewal and cyclical time.
Nun in the Underworld
Nun also had a presence in the afterlife. The Book of the Dead and other funerary texts describe the deceased as emerging from Nun, just as the sun did. The underworld itself was sometimes called the waters of Nun, and the deceased hoped to be reborn from these waters into a new life. Nun was not a judge or a punisher; rather, he was a neutral force that could be harnessed for rebirth. His waters were seen as both dangerous and life-giving, depending on the context.
Depictions and Symbols
Nun was rarely depicted in human form. When he was shown, he appeared as a bearded man with a wig, often with water lines or waves on his body. He could also be represented as a frog or a serpent, animals associated with primordial chaos. The hieroglyph for Nun was a water ripple, emphasizing his connection to water. In temple reliefs, Nun is often shown holding the solar barque, with his arms raised in a gesture of support. These images reinforced his role as the foundation upon which the world rested.
Nun vs. Other Primordial Deities
Nun was not the only primordial deity in Egyptian mythology. The Ogdoad included four male-female pairs: Nun and Naunet (water), Heh and Hauhet (infinity), Kek and Kauket (darkness), and Amun and Amaunet (hiddenness). Nun was often paired with Naunet, his female counterpart, who represented the same watery chaos in a feminine form. Unlike Nun, however, Naunet was rarely mentioned in texts and had no independent mythology. In later periods, Nun was sometimes merged with other gods, such as Amun, who was also associated with hiddenness and creation.
Nun in Egyptian Cosmology
Nun was not just a mythological figure; he was a fundamental part of Egyptian cosmology. The Egyptians believed that the world was surrounded by Nun, both above and below. The sky was a watery ceiling, and the earth floated on a sea of Nun. This is why the sun could travel through the sky and the underworld—it was always moving through Nun’s waters. Nun was also associated with the annual flooding of the Nile, which brought fertile silt to the land. The flood was seen as a return to Nun’s chaos, a necessary disruption that allowed for new growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nun the same as the Greek Chaos?
There are similarities between Nun and the Greek concept of Chaos, as both represent the primordial state before creation. However, they are not identical. Chaos in Greek mythology is often described as a void or gap, while Nun is specifically watery and is personified as a deity. Nun also plays an active role in supporting the sun god, whereas Chaos is more passive.
Did Nun have a temple?
No, Nun did not have a temple or a cult following. He was a concept rather than a personal god. His worship was indirect, through the gods who emerged from him, such as Atum or Ra. This is unusual for Egyptian deities, most of whom had at least one temple.
Why is Nun depicted as a man if he is water?
Nun’s human form was a way to make an abstract concept understandable. He was shown as a man with water symbols to indicate his nature. The Egyptians often personified abstract forces, such as Ma’at (order) or Isfet (chaos), in human form. Nun’s depiction also allowed him to interact with other gods in myths and artwork.
Is Nun mentioned in the Book of the Dead?
Yes, Nun appears in the Book of the Dead, particularly in spells related to the sun’s journey and the deceased’s rebirth. For example, Spell 17 describes the deceased as emerging from Nun. Nun is also mentioned in other funerary texts, such as the Pyramid Texts and the Coffin Texts, where he is invoked for protection and renewal.
How do you pronounce Nun?
In ancient Egyptian, the name was likely pronounced as “nu” or “nun,” with a short “u” sound. In modern Egyptology, it is usually pronounced as “noon” or “nun.” The exact pronunciation is uncertain because the ancient language used no vowels, but the reconstruction is based on Coptic and other evidence.
Related
- Calypso in Greek Mythology: Role and Myth
- Hercules in Roman Mythology: Hero, God, and Legend
- Sin in Mesopotamian Mythology: Core Beliefs & Rituals
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