How Do You Spell ATUM?

Pronunciation: [ˈɑːtəm] (IPA)

The word "atum" is a bit tricky to spell because it doesn't follow common English phonetics. In IPA transcription, it would be written as /ætʌm/. The "a" sound in "atum" is pronounced as the "a" in "cat," while the "u" sound is pronounced as the "u" in "but." The "t" and "m" sounds are straightforward, but it's important to remember the unstressed "schwa" sound in between the "t" and "m" sounds. This is why the word is spelled with a "u" instead of an "o" or an "a."

ATUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Atum, also known as Atum-Ra or Atum-Re, is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with creation and the setting sun. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Atum was considered the first god and the self-created creator of the universe. Represented as a human figure, Atum usually wears the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. Atum is often depicted with a serpent emerging from his head, representing his power and authority.

    As a god of creation, Atum was believed to have brought the world into existence by spitting or sneezing. This act was said to have produced the god Shu (air) and the goddess Tefnut (moisture), who were the parents of Geb (earth) and Nut (sky). Atum was also believed to have fathered other deities and heavenly bodies, such as the sun god Ra.

    Furthermore, Atum was strongly associated with the setting sun and the notion of rejuvenation. It was believed that Atum traveled through the underworld during the night, fighting off demons and ultimately being reborn at dawn. This cyclical journey mirrored the daily cycle of the sun's disappearance and reappearance.

    In summary, Atum is an important Egyptian deity representing creation, the setting sun, and renewal. As the first god and self-created creator, Atum played a major role in ancient Egyptian cosmogony and was a symbol of power and regenera

Etymology of ATUM

The term "atum" is of Egyptian origin and it refers to the god known as Atum or sometimes Atum-Ra in ancient Egyptian mythology. Atum was considered the creator and first god in the Ennead, a group of nine deities worshipped in Heliopolis, an ancient city in Egypt. The name "Atum" is derived from the Egyptian word "tem" which means "complete" or "perfection". Additionally, the name "Atum" has been associated with the word "itm" in the Pyramid Texts, which means "to complete" or "to finish". Therefore, the etymology of the word "atum" is directly tied to the ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and their concept of the divine.

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