Egyptian Mythology and Agriculture - Essay Example

Egyptian Mythology and Agriculture Most communities and countries around the world had various myths and legends that answered difficult questions and provided explanations to mysterious things in the society. Thus, myths governed people’s conducts concerning religion, leadership, religion, and creation stories. Additionally, these communities also had different agricultural practices that supported the livelihood of the community members. They practiced ancient agriculture that involved animal and crop farming. They also kept various birds such as fowl for their egg and meat. Egypt is the perfect example of a country that had numerous myths of creation and religion. This community highly regarded their kings also known as pharaohs. Moreover, this community practiced ancient agriculture. They kept various animals such as cattle and cultivated crop such as barley and wheat. The myths and agricultural traditions of Egypt were related and shared some resources. Both valued river Nile for its significance to agriculture, religious, and cultural traditions. Additionally, some Egyptians used cattle for religious purposes. Ancient agriculture in Egypt was an important activity for the local people. Egypt is situated in a desert region with unpredictable weather conditions. As a result, Egyptian farmers were working closely and keenly studying the weather patterns and seasons in the country. This observation enabled them to know the exact time to plant various crops. In addition, Egyptians also heavily relied on river Nile for irrigation purposes and deposition of fertile soils on its banks. Ancient farming in Egypt took place in specific areas in the country. The most notable area where farming took place was around river Nile and in highland areas. In these highland areas, the climatic conditions were calm, conducive, and perfect for farming activities. Similarly, the areas around river Nile had fertile soil and adequate water for farming activities. As a result, most farmers divided the area around river Nile into sections depending on the type of crop or grains they intended to cultivate. The Nile had particular fertile banks that were known as floodplains. These banks had rich fertile soils that supported the growth of various plants and livestock farming. Egyptian farmers used simple tools for farming activities in the country. During this time, the majority of farmers used tools made from stones or woods. These materials were easily and readily available to many creative artists in the country. As a result, they creatively curved rocks and woods to make essential tools for farming activities in the country. The Egyptian farmers used ploughs, sickles, forks, and sieves mainly carved out of wood. On few occasions, various artists made tools from iron, which was expensive. In addition, some Egyptian farmers used ox-drawn ploughs on their farms. These ploughs were mainly used to break up the top soil in various farming areas. Thus, this enabled easy sowing of grains in numerous farms around the country. In some areas, farmers ploughed lands after cultivating to ensure adequate covering of seeds after planting exercise. The ox-drawn plough was often tied to numerous cattle that were directed by farmers or children in the society. In some instances, farmers would pull the ploughs in the absence of cows in the community. The simple tools used by farmers played an enormous role in developing agriculture in Egypt. In addition, Egyptians cultivated a wide variety of plants and kept numerous animals. Animals were crucial and highly valued in the community. As a result, Egyptian farmers kept cattle, goats, cows, pigs, and ducks. These animals helped farmers with various jobs in the farms such as ploughing and trampling. Moreover, Egyptians also used animals for food purpose since they provided both red and white meat. Equally, Egyptians grew plants such as wheat, barley, vine, and watermelon among others. Egyptian chief food crop was grains despite growing numerous different crops. They used grains for both domestic and commercial purposes in the community. This crop was used commercially to make bread and beer. In addition, it was also directly consumed as food in various homes. Further, Egyptian farmers also planted vein yards to provide cool and conducive shades for pedestrians along the numerous pathways in Egypt. Moreover, various Egyptian farmers kept birds for domestic purposes. The most notable bird reared by these farmers was fowl. The Egyptians had a unique agricultural skill that was unmatchable and non-existent in various countries around the world. These people artificially hatched bird’s eggs to produce its young ones. They used a primitive and successfully way of hatching fowl eggs using traditional ovens that were locally made. The act of hatching eggs was left for particularly skilled people in the society. Egyptian farmers majorly used these fowl birds mainly for food purpose. Moreover, these birds also helped in farms as they fed on unwanted crops and weeds. Likewise, Egyptians had various myths in their community. These people profoundly believed in religion and religious practices. As a result, they had numerous sacred places in the community for worshiping their supreme being. Most of the Egyptian artists were required by their community members to build various temples for specific gods. The most notable temple was the huge temple constructed for Horus. This temple was built to please god Horus. As a result, Horus would return the favor by blessing and offering protection to various hunters and warriors in the society. Many Egyptians believed in the blessings and protection of gods. Moreover, Egyptians worshipped their gods based on classes. During the ancient times, Egypt was divided into various categories based on the financial strength of the citizens. Consequently, the country had the rich people and the poor people. The rich class in the community majorly consisted of the royal families and wealthy businessmen. This group of people worshipped their god since wealth united them. On the other hand, poor people consisted of peasant farmers and slaves. This group also had their god since they came from the inferior social class. Despite their differences, these people highly valued and respected their gods, as they offered numerous sacrifices and prayers to them. In addition, they treated their gods as humans and believed they had traits similar to man. Consequently, they named their gods and proclaimed their names in times of trouble. Both classes had various names for their gods based on thoughts and location of the people. Nevertheless, it was mandatory for all gods in Egypt to have five names. Equally important, Egyptians had numerous beliefs in religious practices and gods that had an enormous impact on the community members. The people of Egypt believed their gods commissioned various leaders in the society. As a result, various leaders in Egypt commanded massive respect from the people. The perfect example of leaders that were highly valued and respected were the pharaohs. These people commanded enormous respect from community members and they were empowered and worshipped by a section of the Egyptians. The pharaohs were the final decision makers among the Egyptians. Moreover, Egyptians believed pharaohs were wise and derived their wisdom and rational decision-making skill from the gods. Besides, the Egyptian creative and talented artists constructed numerous pyramids around the country to honor their deceased pharaohs. This practice served to keep Pharaoh alive in the minds of the Egyptian people. In addition, Egyptians expected pharaohs to live in various pyramids and temples dedicated to them in their afterlife world. It was an act of respect to the departed divine souls. The Egyptian mythology and agriculture were closely related. They both highly upheld river Nile and viewed it as an indispensable resource for the community. The farmers in Egypt heavily relied on river Nile for various things. They used the Nile water to irrigate their farms and also supply their livestock for drinking water. Moreover, farmers heavily depended on the silt deposited in river Nile’s bank. This soil was fertile and supported various plants and animals feeds in Egypt. Similarly, the majority of Egyptians also believed river Nile was sacred and supported the regeneration of life. According to them, the fact that river Nile supported plants, animals, and human beings made it a source of life. Moreover, Egyptians used the fertile areas around river Nile to cultivate crops. Additionally, these people also used the desert part of river Nile to bury the dead members of the society. Consequently, they highly regarded and preserved River Nile due to its importance to the community. Therefore, both farmers and the rest of Egyptians demanded total preservation and protection of river Nile due to its importance to the community. Undoubtedly, both agriculture and myths played an important role in the lives of many Egyptians. They used the river Nile for both agricultural and religious practices in the community. Most Egyptians cultivated crops and kept animals for food purposes. In addition animals were important since they helped in ploughing of farms and weeding activities. The Egyptians also had numerous myths. They highly believed in religion and its practices and the kingship system. These people believed the gods commissioned their king Pharaoh. As a result, they thought he was wise and divine. Both myths and religion cherished and valued river Nile since it played a vital role in lives and practices of Egyptians. The study of both myths and agriculture of the Egyptian people is critical because it helps various people understand the early lives of the ancient Egyptian community. Works Cited Kemp, Barry J. Ancient Egypt. Psychology Press, 2006. Print. Lloyd, Alan B. Ancient Egypt. Oxford University Press, 2014. Print. Long, Charles. Agriculture in Ancient Egypt. N.P., 2009. Web. 23 Apr. 2015 Müller, Max F. Egyptian Mythology. Courier, 2012.Print. Ollhoff, Jim. Egyptian Mythology. ABDO, 2011. Print. Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Mythology. Oxford University Press, 2004. Print. Read More