Get to Know the Deities of Ancient Egypt
The Living Legacy of Egypt’s Gods
The deities of ancient Egypt were awe-inspiring forces that shaped every aspect of life, blending the natural and supernatural into a harmonious whole. From the life-giving Nile River to the blazing sun, the gods embodied the essential elements of existence, driving the rhythms of agriculture, the cycles of seasons, and the quest for balance and order.
Their presence was deeply woven into daily life, influencing rituals, festivals, and innovations—from irrigation systems inspired by the Nile’s floods to the architectural wonders that honoured their power. The gods guided morality, protected communities, and inspired the creativity that built one of history’s most remarkable civilizations. Their stories, temples, and symbols offer a glimpse into the heart of this extraordinary civilization—inviting travellers to explore their legacy and uncover the magic of the land where gods once walked among mortals.
There were hundreds, if not thousands, of gods and goddesses. Here are a few of the illustrious names that shaped the life and culture of Ancient Egypt:
Ra
One of the most powerful and revered deities in ancient Egypt, Ra was often depicted as a falcon-headed man wearing a sun disk with a cobra coiled around it. As god of the sun, Ra would travel through the sky during the day and visit the underworld at night, symbolizing the circle of life, death, and rebirth. Several temples in ancient Egypt were built to honor Ra or deities closely associated with him, such as Amun-Ra (a fusion between Ra and Amun, the god of air). These temples include the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Temple of Abu Simbel.
Isis
The goddess Isis is associated with motherhood, magic, and healing. As sister and wife to Osiris, she played a crucial role in resurrecting him after he was murdered by his brother, Set, the god of chaos. Her tears were believed to be responsible for the rising waters of the Nile, which brought fertility and sustenance to the land. Isis isn’t the only deity associated with the Nile River. It’s no surprise given how essential it was to almost every aspect of everyday life! To learn more about the Nile’s connection to the divine, download your copy of our Egypt Dream Magazine.
Osiris
Often depicted as a mummified figure, Osiris was rarely seen without his trusty crook and flail. They symbolized his authority as ruler of the afterlife. It was believed that souls of the deceased had their hearts weighed on a scale against the feather of Ma’at (the goddess of truth and justice). If the heart was lighter than the feather, Osiris deemed them worthy of entering the afterlife. If not, some mild eternal punishment ensued.
Horus
Son of Iris and Osiris, this falcon-headed god of the sky was considered the protector of the Pharaohs. The Eye of Horus is often used to ward off evil and is associated with divine protection. Horus’ childhood hobbies included avenging his father, Osiris’ death and battling against his evil uncle, Set, to become pharaoh. When it came to choosing which gods to honour when building temples, Horus was a popular choice. The Temple of Edfu stands as the best-preserved ancient Egyptian shrine dedicated to Horus, while Kom Ombo is unique in its devotion to two gods: Horus, and the crocodile god, Sobek.
Ancient Egyptian deities were associated with specific symbols that represented their powers and roles. These are just a few that you’ll come across on tour:
Ankh
The ankh is one of the most enduring symbols of ancient Egypt, representing life, immortality, and the life-giving power of the gods. The Ankh was carried by priests and used in rituals to purify and bless spaces.
Sun Disk
The sun disk embodies the life-giving force of the sun, a central element in Egyptian theology. It is a symbol of energy, creation, the cyclical nature of life, and the eternal presence of the gods on earth.
Uraeus (Cobra)
The uraeus symbolizes protection and royal authority. It was believed they could spit fire at enemies in warfare and pharaohs often wore the uraeus on their crowns to symbolize their divine connection.
Scarab
The scarab represents transformation, renewal, and the concept of self-creation, since newborn scarabs emerge from rolled dung balls without any visible parent.
The relationship between Egyptians and their gods was intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. Here are a few of the ways Egyptians honoured their gods:
Why read about it?
Discover the land of ancient gods for yourself on tour!
Ancient Egypt & the Nile
Take a journey back in time as you amble through the monuments, tombs and temples that line the ancient avenues of Egypt. Gaze up at the Great Sphinx and the panoramic pyramids of Giza, venture inside a pyramid and stand awestruck in the face of astonishing temples built for the gods. Travel to Alexandria, historically known as the capital of knowledge and learning, and soak in the splendour of picturesque scenery as you spend seven days cruising down the Nile. Relax by the Red Sea and experience brilliant white sand and sparkling turquoise waters in the coastal town of Hurghada. On this tour, get swept away in Egypt’s living history with every sight you see and every city you visit.
Departures: October & November 2025 March & April 2026 (+$200)
