Egyptian Creation Myths
Egyptian Creation Myths — an illustrated stories story, set in Egypt. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
Ishani gasped, pointing a finger at a large stone fragment. "Look at this, Devi!" The hieroglyphs seemed to dance in the dim light of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tendai peered at the stone, a section of a much larger stele. Suddenly, the air shimmered, and a warm breeze carrying the scent of papyrus washed over them.
Page 2
The museum vanished, replaced by the banks of a wide, muddy river. "Where are we?" Devi asked, shielding her eyes. Ishani pointed. "Look! A city! But... it's not like anything I've ever seen." Tendai nodded slowly. "We're in ancient Egypt. I recognize the clothing and the boats from my history books."
Page 3
"This must be before the pharaohs," Tendai muttered, stroking his chin, "when people were just starting to build cities." Ishani, remembering a phrase from her mother, said, "'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' as Lao Tzu said! Let's explore!" Devi, ever eager for adventure, raced ahead. "Come on, slowpokes!"
Page 4
The city was a chaotic mix of mud-brick houses and bustling marketplaces. A man selling clay pots called out to them. "Welcome, travelers! Are you here for the festival of the river?" Ishani raised an eyebrow. "Festival of the river? What's that?"
Page 5
"It is the day we honor the Nile, the source of all life!" the potter explained. "We tell the story of how the land rose from the waters of Nun, the primordial ocean." Devi wrinkled her nose. "That sounds like... a myth!" The potter chuckled. "Myths are how we understand the world, little one. The story helps us understand the importance of the Nile!"
Page 6
As the potter spoke, a group of people began gathering in the town square. An old woman with long grey braids stepped forward. "Listen, children," she said in a clear voice. "I will tell you the story of Atum, who arose from Nun!" Devi nudged Ishani. "Here it comes!"
Page 7
"In the beginning, there was only Nun, a swirling ocean of nothingness," the old woman began. "Then, Atum, the self-created one, emerged from the waters." Tendai whispered to Ishani, "She's talking about the first god, the creator!" Ishani nodded, eyes wide. "And all of this is because of the Nile!"
Page 8
"Atum, lonely in the endless void, created the first gods: Shu, the air, and Tefnut, the moisture," the old woman continued. "From them came Geb, the earth, and Nut, the sky." Sama tugged on Ishani's tunic. "It's like a family tree!" As the tale unfolded, Ishani noticed the children using the clay pots like drums, in time to the rhythm of the story.
Page 9
As the story ended, the air shimmered again. The scent of papyrus returned, stronger this time. Tendai sighed. "It's time to go back." Ishani nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "We learned where all life comes from." "As the great Carl Sagan said, 'We are made of star stuff,'" Devi declared, remembering something from the science museum. "The Nile is their star stuff!"
Page 10
They were back in the Grand Egyptian Museum, standing before the stone fragment. Ishani touched the hieroglyphs, now understanding their meaning. "It's a story about creation, about how important the Nile was to the ancient Egyptians." Tendai smiled. "Now the myths make more sense."
About this story
- Location: Egypt
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)