The Ennead (a word derived from Greek, meaning the nine) were the nine most important gods and goddesses in the early Egyptian mythology of Heliopolis. This collection of gods was later copied by other cult centres, where it was subject to mergers and changes. The gods of the Great Ennead of Heliopolis are: Atum, the first god, and his descendents - Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nuit, Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys.

Creation Myth
From the primeval waters represented by Nun, a mound appeared. Upon the mound sat Atum who had begotten himself. Bored and alone, he masturbated (some think the myth actually states he committed autofellatio), producing air (Shu), and moisture (Tefnut). Shu and Tefnut in turn gave birth to the earth (Geb) and the sky (Nuit), who initially were engaged in eternal copulation. Shu separated them, lifting Nuit into her place in the sky. The children of Nuit and Geb were Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys.

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