Significance of Great Company of the gods

The Great Company of the gods in Egyptian theology refers to a group of nine or more deities. They are depicted as judges in the weighing of the heart ceremony and are associated with the power of the Cat. Their adoption by cities led to the merging of identities with local deities. They act as a divine audience and represent a macrocosm within the Egyptian theological system. The gods dwelling in Annu (Heliopolis) are asked to grant flourishing, and Osiris is favored by this Great Company.

Synonyms: Olympian, Divine assembly, Pantheon, Celestial court, Divine council, Olympian 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 'Great Company of the gods'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Great Company of the gods in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The great company of the gods resides in Sekhet-hetep, with four gods dwelling on an island in the Nebseni papyrus, according to the text.[1] (2) A gathering in the Great House of the Aged one in Annu, where the deceased will dwell, receiving the ureret crown.[2] (3) The great company of the gods reply to Thoth's judgment, declaring Ani triumphant, holy, and righteous after the weighing of the heart.[3] (4) The great company of the gods is what Nu is the begetter of, according to the text, establishing Nu's role as a foundational figure in their pantheon.[4] (5) Entities in whose presence the khu is made perfect in the underworld, as described in Chapter CXXXIII.[5]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) This is a group whose chief is one only, who hath no second, and is the President of the Apts, and living by Truth every day.[6] (2) Chapter XXXB is put into the mouth of the deceased when he is standing in the Hall of Judgment watching the weighing of his heart in the Great Scales by Anubis and Thoth, in the presence of the Great Company of the gods and Osiris.[7] (3) The Great Company of the Gods dwell in the Great House of the Aged One, and the Osiris shall walk and talk, and his body shall be with them.[8]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Refers to a group of nine or more deities, and their adoption by other cities led to the transfer of attributes to local deities, merging identities.[9] (2) The Great company of the gods is frequently referenced in texts and may represent a macrocosm of a primitive kind within the Egyptian theological system.[10] (3) This group acts as judges during the weighing of the heart of the deceased in the Great Balance, a scene depicted in the papyri of the XVIIIth Dynasty.[11]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) The attack is repeated in the presence of the Great Company of the gods, suggesting a divine audience or council witnessing the conflict.[12] (2) The Great Company of the gods and the Little Company of the gods are associated with the hands of the Cat, symbolizing their collective power to deliver it from the poison.[13] (3) Osiris is the favoured one of the Great Company of the Gods and the beloved one of the Little Company of the Gods.[14]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) The Great Company of the gods who dwell in Annu (Heliopolis) are asked to grant that Pepi Nefer-ka-Râ may flourish, just as the name of Temu flourishes.[15]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The Great Company of the Gods is present during the weighing of Ani's heart in the Balance, overseeing the judgment process and determining his fate in the afterlife.[16]

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.