Significance of Gods of the Tuat

Gods of the Tuat, also known as neteru en tuat, are divine beings of the Egyptian Underworld. They play a crucial role in the journey of the Sun-god, towing him in a hidden form and greeting him with reverence as he enters. These gods receive offerings from other Underworld deities and oversee the distribution of food. They mark the exit from Ament and a place of rest, where the god undergoes transformations within Nu.

Synonyms: Divinities, Pantheon, Underworld gods

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

Classical concept of 'Gods of the Tuat'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The gods of the Tuat tow the boat of the sun through the Eleventh Division, and they witness Ra's coming forth from Ament and his transformations.[1] (2) The gods of the Tuat are those who tow the boat of the sun along, ensuring its continued journey through the division.[2] (3) The gods of the Tuat tow the great god along, ensuring the progression of the journey through the underworld realm.[3] (4) Four beings towing the boat of Ra, with an aged god at their head leaning on a long staff.[4] (5) The Gods of the Tuat tow the boat of Ra along, acknowledging him as the great god and lord of the hours, working on behalf of those under the earth.[5]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The gods of the Tuat tow AFU-RA, demonstrating their support and assistance in navigating the underworld, highlighting the collaborative effort required for the sun-god's successful journey and reconstitution.[6] (2) Four "gods of the Tuat" appear and take hold of the tow-line when AFU-Ra has passed through the Gate, but they cannot advance until a path is cleared for them in the ninth division.[7] (3) The gods of the Tuat are responsible for towing the Boat of AFU-RA through the DIVISION, or HOUR, ensuring its safe passage and guiding it through the region.[8] (4) The gods of the Tuat are responsible for towing the Boat of AFU-RA and include a procession of twenty-four gods, some of whom are described as invisible beings.[9] (5) The Boat is towed through the Sixth Division by four gods of the Tuat, and immediately in front of it is a series of jackal-headed sceptres of SEB.[10]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) These entities tow the Sun-god along in a hidden form, sending forth a cry to the regions of the City and the other gods within.[11] (2) The gods of the Tuat are given offerings by the gods in the Tuat, and are masters of their offerings and of the food which proceedeth forth.[12] (3) The gods of the Tuat speak to the great god as he enters, and he is borne over NET-RA into URNES, where they address him with reverence and supplication.[13]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The gods of the Tuat say, “[This is] the exit from Ament, and the place for rest in the two divisions of Nu, and [the god] maketh his transformations in the hands of Nu.[14] (2) The gods of the Tuat, or Underworld, are also known as neteru en tuat, and they represent the divine beings associated with the Underworld in Egyptian belief.[15]

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.