Geb is the god of the earth, and the twin brother of Nut, goddess of the sky. He is often depicted with green skin, a goose or a snake on his head, and sheaves of barley to represent the fertility of the earth.
Geb was the son of Shu and Tefnut, and the twin brother and husband of Nut, the sky goddess. He was usually depicted with green skin or greenery on his skin to represent the fertile earth. He was usually drawn lying below his sister Nut as she was stretched out in a semi-circle above him. He was typically propped up on one elbow with one knee bent to symbolize the valleys and mountains of the earth. He was also usually depicted with a goose or a snake on his head. He was thought to be the father of snakes, and the goose both symbolized the sound of his name and the sound which he was thought to laugh, which caused earthquakes.
Some versions of his myth show an inseparable love between Geb and Nut, who was both his sister and his wife. Shu grew jealous of their bond and became the air that separates the sky from the earth. Geb was so devastated by their separation that the tears he cried became the oceans and rivers on the earth. In certain retellings of the myth, he and Nut had five children together: Osiris, Horus, Set, Isis, and Nephthys. He was often depicted on sarcophagi because he was thought to protect souls after death.
Geb was a great ruler who united the kingdoms of Egypt under one throne, which the pharaohs called the “Seat of Geb.” One story showed Geb being bitten by a snake which made him ill. Ra healed him, and in exchange, Geb split the kingdom of Egypt in two and gave one piece to Horus, and one to Set, which led to many years of war between the two brothers. He was often also depicted at Ma’at’s scales of justice, where he ushered unworthy souls to their doom in his tombs on earth.
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Try it for Free!Geb
Parents
Shu and Tefnut
Domain
Earth and vegetation
Symbols
- geese
- barley
- green skin
Notable Myths
- Separation by Shu
- Five Children
- Separation of Egypt
How Tos about Geb: Egyptian God
Engage students with a visual introduction activity
Begin your lesson by showing students a variety of pictures related to the encyclopedia topic. Ask them to describe what they see and predict what the term means. This sparks curiosity and activates prior knowledge.
Guide students in creating their own picture encyclopedia entry
Encourage students to choose a related topic and research key facts. Have them draw or find images and write a short, clear definition in their own words. This reinforces understanding and personalizes learning.
Facilitate collaborative fact-finding in small groups
Assign each group a different aspect of the topic to investigate. Challenge them to present their findings with both text and pictures. This builds teamwork and deepens comprehension.
Organize a classroom picture encyclopedia gallery walk
Display students' entries around the room. Invite classmates to walk around, read, and comment on each entry. This promotes peer learning and celebrates student effort.
Reflect and connect facts to real-world examples
Lead a discussion about how the information in the picture encyclopedia relates to students' lives or current events. Encourage them to share examples they have seen outside the classroom. This helps make learning meaningful and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Geb: Egyptian God
What does the term 'Geb' mean in ancient Egyptian mythology?
Geb is the ancient Egyptian god of the Earth, often depicted as a man lying beneath the sky goddess Nut. He played a key role in Egyptian creation myths and was considered the father of Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys.
Why was Geb important to the ancient Egyptians?
Geb was important because he represented the Earth and was believed to control crops, earthquakes, and the fertility of the land. Ancient Egyptians relied on Geb for a successful harvest and a stable environment.
How is Geb usually shown in Egyptian art?
Geb is usually shown as a man lying on the ground, sometimes with green skin symbolizing vegetation, and often with a goose (his symbol) on his head. He is often depicted beneath Nut, the sky goddess.
What are some interesting facts about Geb for students?
Geb was called the 'Father of Snakes' and was thought to make the Earth laugh, causing earthquakes. He also judged disputes among gods and mortals in Egyptian myths.
How can teachers use Geb in classroom lessons about mythology?
Teachers can use Geb to discuss Earth gods in world mythology, compare him with similar deities from other cultures, and explore his role in Egyptian creation stories. Activities might include creating art, storytelling, or comparing myths.
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