Egyptian Mythology
Ancient sands buried beneath modern streets, where forgotten prayers still whisper.
Within the American Gods universe, Egyptian Mythology represents one of the many ancient pantheons brought to North America by immigrants and their descendants. These deities survive on the belief and prayers of those who still honor them in the modern world, though they face an existential threat from newer gods born of technology and media.
Key figures include Bastet, the goddess of protection and cats, and Anubis, the guide of souls and death. They operate largely out of Chicago, aligning themselves with the Old Gods faction led by Mr. Wednesday as they prepare for a potential war against the New Gods.
- Pantheon
- Ancient Egypt
- Primary Avatar
- Bastet
- Secondary Avatar
- Anubis
- Faction
- Old Gods
- Base of Operations
- Chicago, Illinois
- Status
- Active but Fading
- Origin
- Immigrant Belief
Lore & Background
The Egyptian deities in this setting are not the all-powerful rulers of old myths but are contingent upon human attention. Their power waxes and wanes based on how many people remember their names or make offerings to them. Bastet, for instance, often maintains her strength through the affection given to domestic cats and the comfort she provides to those in need. She walks among mortals, sometimes appearing as a woman with feline mannerisms to keep her connection strong.
Anubis serves a darker function, managing the transition of souls. In this modern context, death is often clinical or sudden, yet Anubis ensures that spirits find their way according to ancient laws. Despite their diminished numbers compared to the past, they remain formidable when rallied together. They understand that if belief ceases entirely, they will cease to exist, driving them to fight for relevance in a world that has moved on.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the Chicago pavement, reflecting the neon glow of a distant sign. Shadow paused as a black cat slipped from an alleyway, its eyes burning with an unnatural gold light. It did not meow; instead, it watched him with ancient intelligence before vanishing into the shadows. A whisper brushed against his mind, speaking of scales and judgment, reminding him that even in a city of steel and glass, the old gods were still waiting.
Reader's Guide
In this universe, gods survive on belief. Egyptian deities arrived with immigrants seeking safety or fortune in America. Unlike their ancient counterparts who ruled over life and death directly, these versions feed on small offerings—a whispered prayer, a statue left on a shelf. Bastet represents comfort and protection, often taking the form of a woman surrounded by felines to maintain connection with worshippers. Anubis guides souls through the transition, reflecting his traditional role but adapted for modern mortality.
As technology rises, belief shifts toward New Gods like Media or Science, causing these ancient powers to fade into obscurity. They gather in secret meetings, plotting survival against the encroaching new order. The magic here is subtle; a god might appear as a mortal until provoked. Their power fluctuates based on how many people still remember their names and rituals.
This dynamic drives much of the conflict between the old pantheons and the modern world they inhabit.
Did You Know?
- Bastet often manifests with feline traits or companions to sustain her power.
- Anubis is tasked with weighing souls in this modern context.
- They are allies of Mr. Wednesday during the war against New Gods.
- Their physical forms depend on how strongly they are remembered by believers.