Egyptian Heroes and Mortals
While Egyptian mythology focused primarily on gods and cosmic forces, certain mortals achieved legendary or semi-divine status through their deeds, wisdom, or service to the gods.
Legendary Pharaohs
- Djoser (c. 2670 BCE): Third Dynasty pharaoh who commissioned the first pyramid (Step Pyramid) through his vizier Imhotep
- Khufu (Cheops, c. 2580 BCE): Fourth Dynasty pharaoh who built the Great Pyramid of Giza, largest of the ancient pyramids
- Hatshepsut (c. 1479-1458 BCE): Female pharaoh who ruled as king, built magnificent mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari
- Akhenaten (c. 1353-1336 BCE): Revolutionary pharaoh who attempted to establish monotheistic worship of Aten (sun disk)
- Ramesses II (c. 1279-1213 BCE): "Ramesses the Great" - mighty warrior-pharaoh, prolific builder, lived over 90 years
Deified Mortals
- Imhotep: Architect, physician, and sage who designed the Step Pyramid; later deified as god of medicine and wisdom
- Amenhotep son of Hapu: Architect and scribe under Amenhotep III; deified for his wisdom and healing powers
Legendary Priests and Magicians
The Pharaoh as Living God
Every pharaoh was considered the living embodiment of Horus and son of Ra. Upon death, the pharaoh became Osiris, while the new pharaoh became Horus. This divine kingship united heaven and earth, maintaining ma'at (cosmic order) through royal authority.
Related Across the Mythos
Deified Mortal
Imhotep
Deified Sage
Architect who became a god
Divine Connection
Deity
Horus
Living pharaoh as Horus incarnate
Cosmic Order
Ma'at
Divine Order