Nut is the goddess of the sky, whom the Egyptians believed swallowed Ra, the sun god, every evening and gave birth to him again each morning. She is depicted with a water pot on her head to signify fertility, and a dress of stars to represent the heavens.
Nut was the daughter of Shu and Tefnut, and the twin sister and wife of Geb, the earth god. She was often depicted as stretching out into a semi-circle over the earth with a dress covered in stars, representing the sky and the heavens. Sometimes, she was also depicted as having udders like a cow, or she was depicted as a cow, because she was thought to be the source of the Milky Way, and the source of life.
Most versions of her myth show her as crucial to the cycle of day and night. She was said to swallow Ra, the sun god, every evening and give birth to him the next morning, where he would rise throughout the day only to be swallowed again that night. Some versions of this myth place Nut as Ra’s mother because of this daily ritual. Some versions of her myth show an inseparable love between Nut and Geb, who was both her brother and her husband. Shu grew jealous of their bond and became the air that separates the sky from the earth. She was often depicted on sarcophagi because she was thought to protect souls after death.
Finally, some myths claim that Nut and Thoth were lovers. Thoth bargained with the moon to gain five days of its light so that Nut could be fertile and bear children. Before this, the calendar was only 360 days long. On each of these five extra days, Nut and Thoth are sometimes credited with giving birth to five children: Osiris, Horus, Set, Isis, and Nephthys. In other versions of the myth, Nut and Geb are the parents of these five children.
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Try it for Free!Nut
Parents
Shu and Tefnut
Domain
Sky, Heavens, Death
Symbols
- Sky
- Stars
- Cow
Notable Myths
- Birth of Ra
- Separation by Shu
- Five Children
How Tos about Nut: Egyptian Goddess
Plan a Nut Exploration Activity for Your Classroom
Choose a variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts to showcase diversity. Gather both shelled and unshelled examples to help students observe differences in shape, size, and texture.
Guide Students to Observe and Compare Nut Characteristics
Encourage students to examine each nut closely using magnifying glasses or by hand. Prompt discussion about color, hardness, and shell patterns to foster critical thinking and descriptive language skills.
Facilitate a Nut Sorting and Classification Challenge
Ask students to sort nuts into groups based on shell type, size, or edible parts. Let them create their own sorting criteria to promote creativity and scientific reasoning.
Integrate Science Journaling to Record Nut Observations
Have students draw and label each nut in their science journals. Encourage written reflection on similarities and differences to reinforce observational and recording skills.
Connect Nut Exploration to Real-World Uses and Nutrition
Discuss how nuts are used in foods and products around the world. Highlight their nutritional value and roles in different cultures to expand global awareness and healthy eating habits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nut: Egyptian Goddess
What is a nut in botany?
A nut in botany is a dry fruit with a hard shell that protects a single seed inside. Unlike other fruits, nuts do not split open to release their seed when mature.
How is a nut different from a seed?
While all nuts contain seeds, not all seeds are nuts. A nut is a specific type of fruit with a hard outer shell, while a seed can be found in many types of fruits, like beans or sunflowers.
What are some common examples of nuts?
Common examples of nuts include acorns, hazelnuts, and chestnuts. Some foods called nuts, like peanuts and almonds, are technically not true botanical nuts.
Why are some foods called nuts even if they are not true nuts?
Foods like peanuts and almonds are called nuts in cooking because they look and taste like nuts. Botanically, they are seeds or drupes, not true nuts.
How do nuts help plants survive?
The hard shell of a nut protects its seed from animals and harsh weather, helping the plant reproduce and spread its species.
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