Introduction

Egyptian mythology is probably one of the most complex to understand due to it's many different deities.The Egyptian civilisation lasted over 3,000 years and during this time the myths and gods involved were often changed, created or even forgotten.
Different regions worshipped their own local gods and these deities would gain national power if the leaders of their regions ruled Egypt. Thus Egyptian mythology was often affected by the political situation, for example;
(i) Horus - nationally worshipped after the rulers of Hieracopolis unified Egypt at the start of the dynastic period.
(ii) Amun - went from a local god to the main national god after the Theban kings drove out the Hyksos.
(iii) Neith - A warrior goddess from Sais who became important in the 26th dynasty when kings from Sais ruled.
Different stories existed involving the Egyptian deities as they were amalgamated into new dynasties. The common beliefs will be covered here, it would get far too confusing to include them all as often stories contradict each other!