How Egypt's god of chaos shifted from a solar protector to a villain
In short: Set was once a vital guardian of the sun, yet he eventually became the embodiment of everything ancient Egyptians feared. This video explores his complex evolution from a divine protector to a symbol of destruction, war, and foreign influence.
Born to the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut, Set was a central figure in Egyptian mythology. Initially, he served a crucial role as the protector of the sun god Ra, defending him against the serpent Apophis to ensure the sun rose each day. However, his reputation underwent a dramatic transformation by the New Kingdom.
Over time, Set became associated with chaos, drought, and violence. This shift is highlighted in the eighty-year struggle for the throne of Egypt against his nephew, Horus, a conflict detailed in the 20th-dynasty manuscript The Contendings of Horus and Set. By the New Kingdom, Set was viewed as a malevolent force representing everything the Egyptians hated, including foreign invasion and societal destruction.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Set the Egyptian God of Chaos, Storms and War
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