ennead

Egyptian religion

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June 26, 2026

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The term "ennead" refers to a group of nine deities, a concept prominent in ancient Egyptian religion. The most significant of these was the Great Ennead of Heliopolis, which included the sun god Re-Atum and eight other deities, representing a foundational grouping in their polytheistic system. The number nine held symbolic importance, often representing plurality. While the Great Ennead is the most well-known, the term "ennead" can also refer to other groups of ancient gods.12

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ancient Egyptian religion
Groupings of deities
…ancient known grouping is the ennead, which is probably attested from the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–2575 bce). Enneads were groups of nine deities, nine being the “plural” of three (in Egypt the number three symbolized plurality in general); not all enneads consisted of nine gods.
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…ancient known grouping is the ennead, which is probably attested from the 3rd dynasty (c. 2650–2575 bce). Enneads were groups of nine deities, nine being the “plural” of three (in Egypt the number three symbolized plurality in general); not all enneads consisted of nine gods.
Read More