P is for Ptah (Blogging through the Alphabet)

While researching for this edition of my Blogging through the Alphabet series, I learned a lot of new details about the Ancient Egyptian god, Ptah. Previously I was unaware of his role in one of the creation stories of Ancient Egypt and I was only vaguely aware of his connection to Imhotep.

Ptah Facts 

• Associated with Imhotep 
• God of Memphis 
• Triad – Ptah, Sekhmet, and Sekhmet's son, Nefertem 
• Some scholars suggest that the name of Egypt is based on Greek translation of the Egyptian 'Hut-Ka-Ptah' or 'Hwt-Ka-Ptah' which means 'temple of the Ka of Ptah' or 'mansion for the Ka of Ptah'
• Greek and Romans assoicated Ptah with Hephaistos and Vulcan 

Creation Story 

There are myths surrounding Ptah that he preceded the Egyptian sun god Atum and created all the gods and goddesses in Egypt. The Memphis creation myth is that he is the 'father of the gods from whom all life emerged.' Ptah brought all things into being by declaring their names. In using his thoughts and words, he is linked to creation in Egypt.

Craftsmen 

Due to his role as 'sculptor of the earth' or of mankind, he is also associated with craftsmen. The craftsmen who constructed the royal tombs at Deir el-Medina (the Valley of the Kings) prayed to Ptah. In relation to this, he is associated with Imhotep, the Vizier of Pharaoh Djsoer, who is said to be responsible for the building of the step pyramid. Once Imhotep was raised from a mortal to a god, he was said to be the son of Ptah. The importance of craftsmen to Ptah can also be seen in the title of the high priest at Memphis' name – 'Great Over-Seer of Craftsmen' (Wer Kherep hemw).

Appearance 

In statuary and paintings, Ptah is represented in a semi-mummified form. His lower body is tightly wrapped while his hands protrude to hold a scepter. The scepter is made up of two symbols – the ankh or sign of life and the djed or pillar of stability. He is usually shown with a tight-fitting skull cap and in later years he would have a beard. On a few occasions, Ptah is depicted as a dwarf.

There are so many different aspects to study Egyptian history – learning about their religion is just one way we can better understand why the Ancient Egyptians lived their lives differently from us.

If you are interested in learning more about Egypt, please visit some of my other posts.