Geb, sometimes called Keb or Seb, is an important god in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is known as the god of the earth, the bringer of fertility, and a guardian of the dead. Geb was also deeply tied to Egyptian cosmology, rituals, and the mythology of creation.
Depictions and Symbols
Geb is usually shown as a man lying on the earth, with green or brown skin to symbolize fertility and the soil of the earth. Sometimes, he is depicted with a goose on his head or even a goose’s head, as the hieroglyph for his name is the goose. This connection earned him the nickname “the Great Cackler.” The goose represents his association with the earth, life, and the sky, as well as creation.
Geb was also depicted in mummy form in some images, signifying his role as a protector of tombs and the afterlife. His reclining pose, often below Nut (the goddess of the sky), symbolizes his position as the earth, with Nut arching above him as the sky.
Family Connections
Geb’s family ties play a significant role in Egyptian mythology:
- He is the husband of Nut, the goddess of the sky.
- Together, they are the parents of Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys, the deities central to Egyptian mythology and rituals. Their stories of betrayal, resurrection, and protection of the afterlife stem from Geb’s lineage.
- Geb’s father is Shu, the god of air, and his mother is Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. In creation myths, it is said that Geb was separated from Nut by Shu, creating the space between the earth and sky.
Roles and Attributes
As the god of the earth, Geb was believed to create the land, mountains, and fertile fields that sustained life. Farmers and worshippers looked to Geb for blessings to ensure bountiful crops and fertility for the land. His touch was thought to produce lush greenery and make the soil fertile.
Geb was also considered the father of pharaohs. In Egyptian belief, pharaohs were descendants of the gods, and Geb’s role as their mythological ancestor connected him directly to the divine kingship of Egypt.
Geb was connected to the dead and the afterlife, guarding tombs and the spirits of the deceased. This role highlights his importance in funerary rituals, ensuring that the dead were protected on their journey to the afterlife.
The Separation of Sky and Earth
One of the most famous myths involving Geb is the separation of the earth and the sky. According to Egyptian cosmology, Geb and Nut were once entwined in an eternal embrace. Shu, their father, forced them apart, lifting Nut high to create the sky and leaving Geb below as the earth. This act created the space between heaven and earth, making Geb the physical representation of the world.
This separation myth emphasizes Geb’s role in creating the universe and order in Egyptian cosmology. His laughter was said to cause earthquakes, further connecting him to the physical elements of the earth.
Cult and Worship
Geb was widely revered throughout Egypt, though he did not have a centralized cult center like some other gods. Farmers invoked him to ensure the fertility of their fields, and priests referenced him during funerary ceremonies to protect the spirits of the dead. He was also part of the Heliopolitan Ennead, a group of nine gods worshipped at Heliopolis, which included Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Nut, and their descendants.