In Egyptian mythology, Chnum was the god of the Nile River delta, and the creator of human children, whom he makes from clay and places in their mothers' uteruses. He was married to Menhit (alternatively: Heget) and, with her, was the father of Hike. He is represented as a human with the head of a ram. He is typically depicted sitting at a potter's wheel with his newly created children on the wheel.
The worship of Chnum centred on two principal riverside sites, Elephantine Island and Esna, which were regarded as sacred sites. At Elephantine, he was worshipped alongside Anuket and Satis as the guardian of the sources of the River Nile.
Other names
Last updated: 10-10-2005 02:41:41
