Geb is a significant deity in Egyptian Religion, primarily known as the god of the earth and the father of prominent gods like Osiris and Isis.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Geb, pronounced (ɡeb), represents the fertile land beneath the feet, the source of life and growth. His importance is deeply rooted in the cosmos and the lineage of the gods themselves.
Key Aspects of Geb's Identity
Geb's role in the Egyptian pantheon is multifaceted and essential to understanding their creation myths and divine family structures.
- Deity of the Earth: Geb embodies the physical earth, including its stability, fertility, and even natural phenomena such as earthquakes, which were sometimes attributed to his laughter. He is often depicted with vegetation growing from his body, symbolizing the Earth's bounty.
- Cosmic Partner: He is frequently portrayed as the husband and brother of Nut, the sky goddess. Their separation by their father, Shu (the god of air), symbolizes the creation of the space between the sky and the earth, forming the world.
- Pivotal Ancestor: Geb's most enduring legacy is his role as the father of four crucial deities who greatly influence Egyptian mythology and beliefs about the afterlife:
- Osiris: God of the underworld, the dead, and resurrection.
- Isis: Goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and funerary rites.
- Set: God of deserts, storms, disorder, violence, and foreigners.
- Nephthys: Goddess of air, head of the house, and often associated with funerary rites and rebirth.
- Judicial Role: While less commonly emphasized than his familial and elemental roles, Geb was also believed to hold a role in judging the dead. He was thought to weigh the hearts of the deceased in the Hall of Two Truths, determining their worthiness for the afterlife, alongside more prominent deities like Thoth and Anubis.
Geb's presence is fundamental to the mythological narratives that shaped ancient Egyptian religious practices, providing the foundational earthly realm upon which their civilization and beliefs were built.
For further information on the definition and pronunciation of "Geb," you can consult the Collins Dictionary.
