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Great Ennead of Heliopolis

Egyptian religion

Quick Summary

The Great Ennead of Heliopolis was a grouping of nine deities central to ancient Egyptian religion, particularly associated with the cult center of Heliopolis. This grouping, likely originating in the 3rd dynasty, was headed by the sun god Re or Re-Atum.12

The Ennead included:
* Re (or Re-Atum)
* Shu (god of air) and Tefnut (goddess of moisture)
* Geb (god of earth) and Nut (goddess of sky)
* Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys

This structure incorporated myths of creation and the story of Osiris, representing fundamental concepts of Egyptian cosmology and society. While the number nine symbolized plurality, not all enneads strictly contained nine gods.12

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