This creation story was probably formulated around 3,000 BC and is one of the
most important of the creation myths;
" In the beginnning the world was covered with unmoving water known as
Nun. From the waters of Nun rose Atum 'the all' who created a mound
of earth to stand on.
Atum then sneezed out Shu, the god of dry air and spat out Tefnut, the goddess
of moist air. Shu and Tefnut were raised by Nun under the watchful eye of
their father Atum, 'udjat', which he had removed to follow his
children's progress.When Atum was finally reunited with his children he wept
tears of joy which fell to the earth and created mankind.
Shu and Tefnut become consorts and Geb, the earth god, and Nut, the sky goddess,
were created from their union. Geb and Nut in turn produced four children;
Isis, Osiris, Nephthys and Seth."