Egyptian gods explained for kids: Ra, Anubis and Isis

This children’s article, Egyptian gods explained for kids: Ra, Anubis and Isis, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs, and discover three of the most famous gods from the past. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

Introduction to Egyptian gods

The ancient Egyptians lived thousands of years ago along the River Nile. They built huge pyramids, created amazing art, and believed in many gods and goddesses. These gods were important in everyday life, from the rising sun to the journey after death. 

Let’s meet three of the most famous ones: Ra, Anubis, and Isis.

Ra, the sun god

Ra was one of the most powerful gods in ancient Egypt. He was the god of the sun, and people believed he travelled across the sky each day in a golden boat. At night, he journeyed through the underworld, fighting off monsters so that the sun could rise again the next morning.

Ra is usually shown with the head of a falcon and a shining sun disc above it. The Egyptians thought that without Ra, there would be no life on Earth.

Anubis, the god of mummification

Anubis was the god who helped people reach the afterlife. He looked after the dead and was closely linked to mummification, which is the process of preserving bodies so they could last forever.

Anubis is easy to spot in Egyptian art. He is usually drawn with the head of a jackal, a wild dog found in Egypt. People believed Anubis weighed a person’s heart against a feather to decide if they had lived a good life.

Isis, the goddess of magic and motherhood

Isis was one of the most loved goddesses. She was the goddess of magic, healing, and motherhood. Many Egyptians prayed to her for protection and good health.

She was also known for her cleverness and bravery. In stories, she used her magical powers to help her husband Osiris and to protect her son Horus. Isis was often shown with a throne-shaped crown on her head.

Article vocabulary list

• Ancient: Very old, from thousands of years ago.
• Underworld: The land of the dead in Egyptian belief.
• Disc: A flat, round shape, like the sun.
• Mummification: The process of preserving a body after death.
• Jackal: A wild dog found in Africa and Asia.
• Afterlife: Life after death, in another world.
• Goddess: A female god.

Comprehension questions

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