Nu

Nu/Nun – Ancient Egyptian Religion

Nu, also known as Nun, is a deity in ancient Egyptian religion symbolizing the primordial watery abyss that existed before creation. Nu is one of the eight deities of the Ogdoad, representing chaos from which the primordial mound arose, giving birth to the sun god Ra. This deity embodies both creation and destruction, with no specific cult dedicated to its worship.

Names and Symbolism:

• Nu (male) and Naunet (female aspect)
• Hieroglyphs: W24 W24 W24 N1 N35A A40 (Nu); W24 W24 W24 N1 N35A X1 H8 B1 (Naunet)
• Symbols: Water and the notched palm branch

Creation Myth:
Nu represents the chaotic cosmic ocean from which the universe was created. The Benben mound and the lotus flower emerged from Nu, leading to the birth of Ra. Different myths depict the sun’s emergence from this primordial chaos, either directly from the mound or the lotus.

History and Iconography:

• Nu is described as “the father of the gods” from the Middle Kingdom onwards.
• Depicted as a large figure with water ripples, holding a palm branch, sometimes frog-headed or greeting the sun as a baboon.
• Naunet, the female aspect, is represented as a snake or snake-headed woman.
• Associated with sacred lakes or underground streams, particularly in Abydos, Karnak, and Dendara.

Cultural Impact:

• Nu did not have temples or a dedicated cult but was important in the conceptual framework of Egyptian cosmology.
• Depicted lifting the solar barque with the newborn sun.
• During the Late Period, Nu’s chaotic aspect symbolized disorder during times of foreign occupation.

Related Concepts and Comparisons:

• Comparable to other primordial waters in various mythologies, such as Abzu in Mesopotamian mythology, Tehom in the Bible, and Wuji in Chinese philosophy.

Noah/Nu

Noah is often equated with Nu in various cultural contexts. Noah is a figure from the Abrahamic religions, primarily known for the story of Noah’s Ark in the Bible.

Nu, on the other hand, is a figure from ancient Egyptian mythology, representing the primordial waters from which the world was created. While the specific narratives and roles differ, both figures are associated with water and creation or re-creation after a cataclysmic flood. The comparison is mostly symbolic, highlighting the universality of flood myths and their significance in different cultures.

Etim ‘Ne

Etim ‘Ne’s Flood: Etim ‘Ne causes a flood when one son collects too many stones in one place.

Hawaiian Mythology

In Hawaiian mythology, Nuʻu is a figure associated with a flood myth that bears some resemblance to the story of Noah from the Abrahamic traditions. According to the legend, Nuʻu built a large canoe with a house on it to survive a great flood. He and his family, along with various plants and animals, were saved by this vessel. After the flood receded, Nuʻu landed on Mauna Kea and made offerings to the moon, mistaking it for his god, Kāne. Kāne then descended on a rainbow to correct Nuʻu’s mistake and receive his offerings.

This Hawaiian myth of Nuʻu shares common elements with other global flood myths, including the preservation of life through a boat or ark and the offering of sacrifices after the flood subsides.

Chief Midegah

Nun

A nun is a woman who vows to dedicate her life to religious service and contemplation, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the enclosure of a monastery or convent. The term is often used interchangeably with religious sisters who do take simple vows but live an active vocation of prayer and charitable work.

Vishnu

Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, and he is considered the preserver and protector of the universe within the Hindu Trimurti, which includes Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). Vishnu is highly revered in Hinduism and has many important aspects and attributes.

Key Aspects of Vishnu

1. Preserver of the Universe: Vishnu’s primary role is to maintain balance and order in the universe. He is believed to preserve and sustain life and uphold dharma (cosmic law and order).
2. Avatars: Vishnu is known for his ten avatars (incarnations), known as the Dashavatara, which he assumes to restore cosmic order. These avatars include:
   • Matsya (The Fish): Saves the Vedas from a great deluge.
   • Kurma (The Tortoise): Supports Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean.
   • Varaha (The Boar): Rescues the Earth (personified as the goddess Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha.
   • Narasimha (The Man-Lion): Destroys the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect his devotee Prahlada.
   • Vamana (The Dwarf): Subdues the demon king Bali by covering the universe in three strides.
   • Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe): Eliminates corrupt and oppressive Kshatriya warriors.
   • Rama (The Prince of Ayodhya): Central figure in the epic Ramayana, who defeats the demon king Ravana.
   • Krishna (The Divine Statesman): Key figure in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, who destroys the tyrant Kansa and plays a crucial role in the Kurukshetra War.
   • Buddha (The Enlightened One): Sometimes included as an avatar who teaches non-violence and compassion.
   • Kalki (The Future Warrior): Yet to appear, Kalki will end the present age of darkness and corruption, known as Kali Yuga.
3. Symbols and Attributes: Vishnu is often depicted with four arms, holding a conch shell (shankha), a discus (chakra), a mace (gada), and a lotus flower (padma). He is typically shown resting on the serpent Ananta (Shesha), floating in the cosmic ocean.
4. Consort: Vishnu’s consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She plays a significant role in his mythology and is often depicted alongside him.
5. Prominence in Scriptures: Vishnu is prominently featured in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Mahabharata, contains teachings attributed to Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.

Worship and Temples

• Vishnu is worshiped in numerous temples across India and the world. Some of the most famous Vishnu temples include the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, Badrinath Temple, and the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
• His festivals, such as Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday) and Rama Navami (Rama’s birthday), are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Symbolism and Influence

Vishnu symbolizes stability, righteousness, and the preservation of the cosmic order. His stories and teachings influence various aspects of Hindu culture, art, and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of duty, devotion, and ethical conduct.