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Ancient Egyptian Myths: Gods and Pharoahs, Creation and the Afterlife
The Great Sphinx of Giza, painted friezes in pyramid chambers, and symbolic paintings of the eye of Horus are familiar and breathtaking works of art. Yet behind them lies a deep cosmological tapestry in which the origins of the Earth and riches brought by the Nile flood are explained through deities. As pharaohs, kingdoms and dynasties rise and fall, so the roles of gods, goddesses and myths change, making Ancient Egypt’s mythology a fascinating journey that reflects shifting power, fortune and influence in the lives of Egyptians. Ancient Egyptian Myths takes a broad approach to the cosmology of Ancient Egypt, describing the function of myth to both the powerful and the powerless. It includes internal and external political and economic influences on the status of deities and their myths. The book examines iconography and texts that transported Egyptians from practical stories explaining the world around them to the mystery and magic that led them into the realm of the dead. It explains the roles of priests and the exclusiveness of temples. Finally, it reveals influences of Egypt’s myths on belief systems and the arts that continue to this day. Illustrated throughout with artworks and photographs, Ancient Egyptian Myths is an engaging and highly informative exploration of a rich mythology that still fascinates today.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 28, 2024
There are many reasons why one would approach a book like this. It is certainly an academic read. However, I really wanted to dig into the mythology and cultural customs of Egypt during the time periods of the Hebrew Old Testament. I was especially interested in Egyptian cosmology and their creation account, since I know it mirrors the Hebrew account in many ways.
Ancient Egyptian Myths is an engaging academic, yet quick exploration of Egypt's rich mythology. The chapters include the following topics:
Chapter 1: Myths in Sculpture, Signs, Symbols, and Script
Chapter 2: Pyramids, Palaces, Papyrus, and Paint
Chapter 3: Creation out of Chaos
Chapter 4: Gods and Myths in Earthly Life
Chapter 5: Priests, Priestesses, and Festivals for the Gods
Chapter 6: Trade, Invasion, Expansion, and Myth
Chapter 7: God and Myth after the Fall of Ancient Egypt
Appendix: Ancient Egypt's King List
I found this read to be quick and easy. Still, it was chock full of historical information and offered many similarities to the neighboring Babylonians and Hebrews' account of cosmology and creation. I was not able to read this on my Kindle, like I normally do with eARCs, so I read it on my computer through the NetGalley downloading program - Adobe Digital Editions. Because of this, I believe the pages were disoriented in sequence, causing me some confusion in the process. Other than that, it served its' purpose and I enjoyed it!
A special thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Chambers, and Amber Books Ltd for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ancient Egyptian Myths is an engaging academic, yet quick exploration of Egypt's rich mythology. The chapters include the following topics:
Chapter 1: Myths in Sculpture, Signs, Symbols, and Script
Chapter 2: Pyramids, Palaces, Papyrus, and Paint
Chapter 3: Creation out of Chaos
Chapter 4: Gods and Myths in Earthly Life
Chapter 5: Priests, Priestesses, and Festivals for the Gods
Chapter 6: Trade, Invasion, Expansion, and Myth
Chapter 7: God and Myth after the Fall of Ancient Egypt
Appendix: Ancient Egypt's King List
I found this read to be quick and easy. Still, it was chock full of historical information and offered many similarities to the neighboring Babylonians and Hebrews' account of cosmology and creation. I was not able to read this on my Kindle, like I normally do with eARCs, so I read it on my computer through the NetGalley downloading program - Adobe Digital Editions. Because of this, I believe the pages were disoriented in sequence, causing me some confusion in the process. Other than that, it served its' purpose and I enjoyed it!
A special thank you to NetGalley, Catherine Chambers, and Amber Books Ltd for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2019
Ancient Egyptian Myths, Gods and Pharoahs, Creation and the Afterlife. Catherine Chambers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non fiction (Adult), History
The pyramids....who hasn't been fascinated in their creation, the how and why Egyptians came to create them. They were incredibly elaborate decoratively, but the construction uses mathematical calculations we thought were discovered in the 1600s. Clearly the Egyptians were centuries ahead of modern day man in that way.
The Gods and Goddesses, the myths and legends that grew up around them fascinated me as a child and reading this wonderful book brought back much of that magic. Its a very dense read, Catherine fully explores all elements surrounding the Gods, the changing names, how they came about and why. It's illustrated too with wonderful photos of surviving artifacts. It amazes me that we can still have things thousands of years old, I like to imagine someone carving one of these little objects, putting their heart and beliefs into it, and that carries through to today even though the creator is long gone.
Its a wonderful read but I have it on PC as an epub read, and for me that's hard going, and the reason its taken so long to read. Its very full of information that can't jst be skimmed but needs time to absorb and appreciate, so I've been reading a little every now and then, mulling over the content when not reading. My youngest grandson has just being learning about Egyptian history and we'd recently talked over some of the things I found in this book. It was good to have a wider and more complete source than an 8 yr old primary school text :-)
I think that as with most non-fiction books it would be better in physical form. I love my kindle but undoubtedly some books need to be “old school” print to get the best from them. If I had this book as a physical one I'm sure I'd be dipping in and out of it constantly.
Even though this society is thousands of years past its still a fascination for so many of us, and this book really fleshes out so many of the myths I know on the periphery, and goes into detailed information as to how and why they may have originated.
Stars: Five, a fabulous read, but would be best on physical book form.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Non fiction (Adult), History
The pyramids....who hasn't been fascinated in their creation, the how and why Egyptians came to create them. They were incredibly elaborate decoratively, but the construction uses mathematical calculations we thought were discovered in the 1600s. Clearly the Egyptians were centuries ahead of modern day man in that way.
The Gods and Goddesses, the myths and legends that grew up around them fascinated me as a child and reading this wonderful book brought back much of that magic. Its a very dense read, Catherine fully explores all elements surrounding the Gods, the changing names, how they came about and why. It's illustrated too with wonderful photos of surviving artifacts. It amazes me that we can still have things thousands of years old, I like to imagine someone carving one of these little objects, putting their heart and beliefs into it, and that carries through to today even though the creator is long gone.
Its a wonderful read but I have it on PC as an epub read, and for me that's hard going, and the reason its taken so long to read. Its very full of information that can't jst be skimmed but needs time to absorb and appreciate, so I've been reading a little every now and then, mulling over the content when not reading. My youngest grandson has just being learning about Egyptian history and we'd recently talked over some of the things I found in this book. It was good to have a wider and more complete source than an 8 yr old primary school text :-)
I think that as with most non-fiction books it would be better in physical form. I love my kindle but undoubtedly some books need to be “old school” print to get the best from them. If I had this book as a physical one I'm sure I'd be dipping in and out of it constantly.
Even though this society is thousands of years past its still a fascination for so many of us, and this book really fleshes out so many of the myths I know on the periphery, and goes into detailed information as to how and why they may have originated.
Stars: Five, a fabulous read, but would be best on physical book form.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
April 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – A Fascinating Dive into the Myths of Ancient Egypt
Catherine Chambers delivers a rich and engaging look into the world of Ancient Egyptian mythology in "Ancient Egyptian Myths: Gods and Pharaohs, Creation and the Afterlife". This book is a beautifully crafted exploration of the stories, beliefs, and rituals that shaped one of history’s most fascinating civilizations apart from Indus Valley civilization that predates it and I found equally interesting as this one.
The writing of author is clear and accessible, making complex myths and religious concepts understandable without sacrificing their depth or significance. Chambers does an excellent job of blending storytelling with historical insight, giving readers a sense of both the fantastical elements of Egyptian mythology and their cultural importance.
The layout and visuals are another highlight—vivid illustrations, timelines, and side notes help bring the stories to life. It’s especially effective for younger readers or those new to Egyptian mythology, but adults with an interest in the subject will find plenty to enjoy too.
Illustrative elements and sidebars complement the main text, aiding comprehension and enhancing the reader’s engagement with the material. While the format suggests an educational orientation, particularly for students at the secondary or early tertiary level, the content remains sufficiently grounded in scholarly research to be of interest to a broader academic audience.
One of the chapters is especially effective in presenting the multiple cosmogonies that coexisted in Ancient Egypt, including the Heliopolitan account centering on Atum, and the Memphite theology featuring Ptah as the demiurgic creator through thought and word. Chambers is careful to contextualize these variations geographically and theologically, illustrating the pluralistic and syncretic nature of Egyptian religious thought. However, for facts, this is to be noted that word Ptah and this whole concept of considering it as a creator of the universe comes from the word 'Pitah' meaning Father in Sanskrit. Same as Ma'at comes from 'Mata' meaning Mother in Sanskrit.
As quoted in book as well, defines both as same as I put forth for facts. "Ancient Egyptians were conscious of Ma’at in all they did, whether in their work or personal lives. They took heed of her values so that they could live honorably and with care for all those around them, and for the greater good of their communities, regions and the nation. When they failed, society and the law were not on their side. ‘Ma’at is great and her work is continuous… She is the path before the
inexperienced’."
The primary limitation lies in the book’s breadth-over-depth approach. This is the only reason for not giving a full five stars, as at times, the book feels slightly more introductory than comprehensive. Some myths and deities are only briefly mentioned when they might have benefited from deeper exploration, specially their evolving roles across dynastic periods. Still, as an accessible and visually appealing introduction to the world of Ra, Osiris, Isis and the rest of the Egyptian pantheon, it’s a highly rewarding read.
As an introductory resource, nevertheless, Chambers’ work succeeds in sparking intellectual curiosity and providing a reliable foundation for further study for the beginners to create interest in them for the said subject.
Whether you're a mythology enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this book is a great gateway into the captivating world of ancient Egyptian belief and storytelling, even if those all were just folktales or assumptions basis on archaeological findings in that geographical area.
My NetGalley review
Catherine Chambers delivers a rich and engaging look into the world of Ancient Egyptian mythology in "Ancient Egyptian Myths: Gods and Pharaohs, Creation and the Afterlife". This book is a beautifully crafted exploration of the stories, beliefs, and rituals that shaped one of history’s most fascinating civilizations apart from Indus Valley civilization that predates it and I found equally interesting as this one.
The writing of author is clear and accessible, making complex myths and religious concepts understandable without sacrificing their depth or significance. Chambers does an excellent job of blending storytelling with historical insight, giving readers a sense of both the fantastical elements of Egyptian mythology and their cultural importance.
The layout and visuals are another highlight—vivid illustrations, timelines, and side notes help bring the stories to life. It’s especially effective for younger readers or those new to Egyptian mythology, but adults with an interest in the subject will find plenty to enjoy too.
Illustrative elements and sidebars complement the main text, aiding comprehension and enhancing the reader’s engagement with the material. While the format suggests an educational orientation, particularly for students at the secondary or early tertiary level, the content remains sufficiently grounded in scholarly research to be of interest to a broader academic audience.
One of the chapters is especially effective in presenting the multiple cosmogonies that coexisted in Ancient Egypt, including the Heliopolitan account centering on Atum, and the Memphite theology featuring Ptah as the demiurgic creator through thought and word. Chambers is careful to contextualize these variations geographically and theologically, illustrating the pluralistic and syncretic nature of Egyptian religious thought. However, for facts, this is to be noted that word Ptah and this whole concept of considering it as a creator of the universe comes from the word 'Pitah' meaning Father in Sanskrit. Same as Ma'at comes from 'Mata' meaning Mother in Sanskrit.
As quoted in book as well, defines both as same as I put forth for facts. "Ancient Egyptians were conscious of Ma’at in all they did, whether in their work or personal lives. They took heed of her values so that they could live honorably and with care for all those around them, and for the greater good of their communities, regions and the nation. When they failed, society and the law were not on their side. ‘Ma’at is great and her work is continuous… She is the path before the
inexperienced’."
The primary limitation lies in the book’s breadth-over-depth approach. This is the only reason for not giving a full five stars, as at times, the book feels slightly more introductory than comprehensive. Some myths and deities are only briefly mentioned when they might have benefited from deeper exploration, specially their evolving roles across dynastic periods. Still, as an accessible and visually appealing introduction to the world of Ra, Osiris, Isis and the rest of the Egyptian pantheon, it’s a highly rewarding read.
As an introductory resource, nevertheless, Chambers’ work succeeds in sparking intellectual curiosity and providing a reliable foundation for further study for the beginners to create interest in them for the said subject.
Whether you're a mythology enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this book is a great gateway into the captivating world of ancient Egyptian belief and storytelling, even if those all were just folktales or assumptions basis on archaeological findings in that geographical area.
My NetGalley review
January 25, 2022
A coffee table book. This was a Christmas present and not something I would have bought for myself. It is pretty good and I did learn new things from it.
May 19, 2024
The book is organised in a logical format, with thematic chapters. It also has a nice introduction that appropriately establishes the historical context and the complex and lasting chronology of Ancient Egyptian History. The book goes beyond just regurgitating individual myths, but attempts to contextualise them against the rich back drop of Ancient Egypts societal and cultural values, in a unique geographical landscape. It gives examples from the reigns of individual pharaohs on how they engaged with and interpreted myth and in turn paid homage to their gods (like looking at how Hatshepsut made a priority of connecting to Ma’at) and connected to their beliefs.
I liked how the book had a plethora of images, they were bright and colourful and incredibly relevant to the content of each page. I especially liked that they each had quite detailed labels attached to them, so I was able to better make connections between the images and the content I was reading. There was a great mix of photographs or artefacts (The statue of Tutankhamen with Amun was visually stunning!), buildings (the aerial shot of Karnak Temple for example was great in communicating the sheer size of the temple!) and artistic interpretations.
This book is informative, but easily accessible to all audiences regardless of their background knowledge on Ancient Egypt. It is a reasonable length, something that readers can engage with over time without being overwhelmed by something of excessive size. While I was provided with a digital version for reading, the format of the book with a mix of beautiful images and intriguing text would make for a great coffee table book, to refer back to and look over long after a first read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
I liked how the book had a plethora of images, they were bright and colourful and incredibly relevant to the content of each page. I especially liked that they each had quite detailed labels attached to them, so I was able to better make connections between the images and the content I was reading. There was a great mix of photographs or artefacts (The statue of Tutankhamen with Amun was visually stunning!), buildings (the aerial shot of Karnak Temple for example was great in communicating the sheer size of the temple!) and artistic interpretations.
This book is informative, but easily accessible to all audiences regardless of their background knowledge on Ancient Egypt. It is a reasonable length, something that readers can engage with over time without being overwhelmed by something of excessive size. While I was provided with a digital version for reading, the format of the book with a mix of beautiful images and intriguing text would make for a great coffee table book, to refer back to and look over long after a first read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
July 20, 2024
For once, and for a book so pictorial, I found this pretty heavy going. It is what you'd expect, but at the same time not – the way it conveys how godlike the pharaohs and kings were, and how the gods themselves changed in prestige, power and respect over the millenniums is a bit of a plod; the way the myths were portrayed in statuary, then kind of written down, with asides to the Book of the Dead, etc, no different. Creation myths – what you'd expect to have at the outset – make up the third chapter.
I seldom struggle with Amber Books' output, but whether the approach, the writing style, or the fact I probably have received what I need on this subject from children's non-fiction over the years, meant this was a rarity from that house of a book I just didn't get on with. It is not as friendly to the casual, mildly interested browser as the bulk that I see from Amber is.
I seldom struggle with Amber Books' output, but whether the approach, the writing style, or the fact I probably have received what I need on this subject from children's non-fiction over the years, meant this was a rarity from that house of a book I just didn't get on with. It is not as friendly to the casual, mildly interested browser as the bulk that I see from Amber is.
May 1, 2024
Ancient Egyptian Myths - Gods and Pharaohs, Creation and the Afterlife by Catherine Chambers is absolutely intriguing and a wonderful insight to the people, politics and power struggles of ancient Egypt
The book is enjoyable because it conveys a lot of fascinating details but in a conversational way that is engaging and immersive. it is not just a description of Egyptian history, it also explores how the distinctive Egyptian methods of recording history and lifestyles became enmeshed in mythology and spiritualism that endures to present times. Absolutely fascinating and highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Amber Books Ltd | Amber Books and the author Catherine Chambers for this fascinating ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The book is enjoyable because it conveys a lot of fascinating details but in a conversational way that is engaging and immersive. it is not just a description of Egyptian history, it also explores how the distinctive Egyptian methods of recording history and lifestyles became enmeshed in mythology and spiritualism that endures to present times. Absolutely fascinating and highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Amber Books Ltd | Amber Books and the author Catherine Chambers for this fascinating ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
April 30, 2024
From origin tales to realms of the dead, this book unveils how myths permeated all aspects of Egyptian civilization—shaping beliefs, politics, arts, and even economic fortunes. The extraordinary pantheon of deities reflected the concerns of individual pharaohs and their people, evolving through time. The book is informative, beautifully illustrated, and easy to understand for readers interested in Egyptian myth.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 28, 2024
A big thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
This book is an excellent guide to Egyptian mythology. It goes into detail about many of the myths that are associated with the society in which the Pharaohs once ruled.
Many of the stories brought back memories of my high school days when I studied the Egyptians.
This book is an excellent guide to Egyptian mythology. It goes into detail about many of the myths that are associated with the society in which the Pharaohs once ruled.
Many of the stories brought back memories of my high school days when I studied the Egyptians.
January 24, 2025
Fantastic! I absolutely loved this book, and the stories that were shared. I have loved Egyptian history for ages.
Great for those who are looking to understand some of the myths in Ancient Egypt, and the power behind the religious beliefs.
Great for those who are looking to understand some of the myths in Ancient Egypt, and the power behind the religious beliefs.
December 15, 2025
3.5tan 4? Beklediğimden daha akademik bir şekilde anlatılmıştı, bazı konuları anlamadım ama tek bir kitaptan anlaşılacak bir konu da değil zaten antik Mısır. Sadece bazı yerler sadeleştirilebilir miydi diye düşündüm. Küçükken ilgimi çeken bir konuydu o yüzden ayrıca sevdim.
October 14, 2019
My thanks to Amber Books for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Ancient Egyptian Myths: Gods and Pharoahs, Creation and the Afterlife’ by Catherine Chambers in exchange for an honest review.
Rather than just retelling the myths of ancient Egypt Catherine Chambers examines the way in which their mythology evolved over thousands of years in response to natural events and later from outside influences including trade and invasion. She also states that as with other African civilisations, they were at heart based on oral traditions.
This felt like a very innovative way to explore Egyptian mythology through the artefacts left behind such as temples, tombs, statues, jewellery, amulets, scripts, and much more. Special attention was given to the Coffin Texts, including The Book of the Dead, which outlines access to the afterlife and the roles of the gods and goddesses in that process.
She devotes a chapter to the complex creation myths and another to how the myths of gods and goddesses impacted on the daily lives of the people. Another chapter looks to the varied roles of the priesthood including as oracles.
I found the chapter on how the gods and myths changed after the fall of Ancient Egypt and the influence of the Greek and Roman mythologies very interesting. She touches briefly upon how Egyptian motifs became popular in the 19th century and mentions the prevalence of the gods and goddesses in popular culture.
The emergence of Kemetic Orthodoxy, a modern religion that incorporates gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt, is briefly mentioned though not the role of the Egyptian pantheon in modern religious Paganism and occultism. However, this was a very minor point and overall it was refreshing to read of any recognition that the gods and goddesses of Egypt remain relevant to some.
In this same chapter she compares the mythology of ancient Egypt to others of the same period. Her last word looks briefly at the legacy of the risen Osiris within Christianity.
‘Ancient Egyptian Myths’ is a book of ideas and any of its sections could provide a starting point for deeper exploration. It is packed with stunning colour photographs and includes sources for these as well as a bibliography, an index, and useful chronologies.
A sumptuous book that is sure to delight anyone interested in learning more about the history and mythology of ancient Egypt.
Rather than just retelling the myths of ancient Egypt Catherine Chambers examines the way in which their mythology evolved over thousands of years in response to natural events and later from outside influences including trade and invasion. She also states that as with other African civilisations, they were at heart based on oral traditions.
This felt like a very innovative way to explore Egyptian mythology through the artefacts left behind such as temples, tombs, statues, jewellery, amulets, scripts, and much more. Special attention was given to the Coffin Texts, including The Book of the Dead, which outlines access to the afterlife and the roles of the gods and goddesses in that process.
She devotes a chapter to the complex creation myths and another to how the myths of gods and goddesses impacted on the daily lives of the people. Another chapter looks to the varied roles of the priesthood including as oracles.
I found the chapter on how the gods and myths changed after the fall of Ancient Egypt and the influence of the Greek and Roman mythologies very interesting. She touches briefly upon how Egyptian motifs became popular in the 19th century and mentions the prevalence of the gods and goddesses in popular culture.
The emergence of Kemetic Orthodoxy, a modern religion that incorporates gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt, is briefly mentioned though not the role of the Egyptian pantheon in modern religious Paganism and occultism. However, this was a very minor point and overall it was refreshing to read of any recognition that the gods and goddesses of Egypt remain relevant to some.
In this same chapter she compares the mythology of ancient Egypt to others of the same period. Her last word looks briefly at the legacy of the risen Osiris within Christianity.
‘Ancient Egyptian Myths’ is a book of ideas and any of its sections could provide a starting point for deeper exploration. It is packed with stunning colour photographs and includes sources for these as well as a bibliography, an index, and useful chronologies.
A sumptuous book that is sure to delight anyone interested in learning more about the history and mythology of ancient Egypt.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews