Definition: Atum-Re is a creator sun god especially associated with Heliopolis (the Greek name for the Egyptian On, Oon, or Iunu). He emerged from the primeval waters. His name Atum symbolizes fullness or completion [Tobin]. By spitting or masturbation, he produced a male and female pair of gods, Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture) who produced the earth and the sky.
The primoridal creator god Atum and the solar god Re were put together as early as the Pyramid Texts. When the Egyptian king dies, he sits on the throne of Atum-Re [Serrano].
For some, Atum-Re is very specifically, the setting sun.
Re's opponent is Apophis, who is opposed to order. Each day the sun god must fight him to re-emerge and rise each morning.
Also Known As: the he/she, Re-Atum
References
- "Mytho-Theology in Ancient Egypt"
Vincent Arieh Tobin
Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, Vol. 25, (1988), pp. 169-183 - "Otiose Deities and the Ancient Egyptian Pantheon"
Susan Tower Hollis
Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, Vol. 35, (1998), pp. 61-72 - "Origin and Basic Meaning of the Word ḥnmmt (The So-Called "Sun-Folk")"
Jose M. Serrano
Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur, Bd. 27, (1999), pp. 353-368
Alternate Spellings: Atum-Ra
