Informations About Goddess Tefnut
Tefnut was the goddess of moisture and clouds; she was the daughter of Ra, the sister and wife of Shou. They form the first divine couple. Tefnout is the symbol of humidity and Shou that of air; they represent with their two children, Geb (earth) and Nout (sky), the four primary elements.
Represented in the form of a lioness or a cat, she forms with Shou, according to the cosmogony of Heliopolis, the first divine couple that, by generating Heaven and Earth, allows the appearance of life. This couple, considered as an abstract primordial entity, has neither attributes, nor particular characteristics, nor true cult center. Yet the twins of Heliopolis, nicknamed "the bearers of heaven", are the ancestors of the Egyptian pantheon.
Tefnut, as an ancient goddess, interacts closely with her grandchildren Osiris and Isis. Osiris is considered the god of the dead and the judge of souls in the afterlife. Isis, for her part, is a goddess of magic and motherhood. These interactions strengthen the links between the generations of the Egyptian divine family and show the importance of Tefnut in supporting the young gods.
Egyptian myths often show Tefnut actively participating in the protection and guidance of his divine descendants, reiterating the notion of continuity and stability in Egyptian mythology. It is through these relationships that Tefnut maintains its relevance and respect within the pantheon.
The cult of Tefnut was centralized in several Egyptian cities. The temple of Karnak, well known for its vast religious complex, had a section dedicated to the goddess. In Egyptian art, Tefnut is frequently depicted with a lionhead or sometimes in pure lioness. This highlights his fierce temperament and protective power.