Hymn to the Nile

"Hymn to the Nile" is a tune that was created and sung by the ancient Egyptian peoples about the flooding of the Nile.[1] Herodotus called Egypt the "Gift of the Nile" because ancient Egyptian civilization shaped its culture around and depended on resources from the river.[1][2]

Analysis

Religion

The ancient Egyptian peoples believed the river was a god.[1] The hymn specifically states "offerings are made unto you, men are immolated to you, great festivals are instituted for you. Birds are sacrificed to you, gazelles are taken for you in the mountain, pure flames are prepared for you."[3]

Agriculture

The ancient Egyptian peoples depended on the fertile valleys by the river for agriculture. There are many quotes in the hymn showcasing their gratitude for the Nile River supporting their crop growth. For example: "Lord of the fish, during the inundation, no bird alights on the crops. You create the grain, you bring forth the barley, assuring perpetuity to the temples."[3]

References
  1. "Hymn to the Nile". ARCJOHN. March 23, 2010. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  2. Dowling, Mike. "Ancient Egypt: The Gift of the Nile". July 11, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  3. Halsall, Paul (May 1998). "Hymn To The Nile". Fordham University. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.