Significance of Divisions of the Tuat

Divisions of the Tuat in Egyptian mythology are twelve parts, each representing an hour of the night. These divisions are referred to as Field, City, Hall, or Circle. Within these divisions existed beings unable to join Ra's boat due to insufficient power or qualifications. These beings experienced both benefit from Ra's nightly presence and sorrow upon his departure, highlighting the complex nature of the Tuat.

Synonyms: Segments, Groups

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Divisions of the Tuat'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Divisions of the Tuat in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The Boat of AFU-RA passed through the first five divisions of the Tuat before arriving near the southern part of the Delta and the kingdom of Osiris.[1] (2) The Divisions of the Tuat are regions that the disembodied spirit undertakes a journey through, requiring the BOAT OF THE SUN-GOD to travel and it has various divisions including the FIRST DIVISION and SECOND DIVISION.[2] (3) These are often called "Hours," with the First Hour corresponding to the First Division, and so on up to the Twelfth Hour.[3]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) These contained beings who wished to enter the boat of Ra but could not, either due to lack of necessary power or qualifications; they benefited from Ra's nightly visit but suffered sorrow upon his departure.[4] (2) Are twelve parts, each of which corresponds to one of the hours of the night, and the divisions are called “Field,” sekhet, or “City,” nut, or “Hall,” arret, or “Circle,” qerert.[5]

From: The Book of Gates

(1) Segmented regions of the underworld that the sun god traverses during his nightly journey.[6]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.