Tefnut

In Egyptian religion, Tefnut (alternate spellings Tefenet, Tefnet) is a goddess with a connection to moistureThe Routledge Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, George Hart ISBN0-415-34495-6.
== Family ==
Together with Shu, the god of air, Tefnut is one of the twins who were the first born of Atum. The offspring of these two are Nut, the sky and Geb, the earth. Tefnut's grandchildren were Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys. With their father, children and grandchildren Tefnut is from the Ennead of Heliopolis. In Heliopolis she had a sanctuary called the Lower Menset.The Routledge Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, George Hart ISBN0-415-34495-6
== Etymology ==
The name Tefnut has been linked to the verb 'tfn' meaning 'to spit'http://henadology.wordpress.com/theology/netjeru/tefnut and versions of the creation myth say that Atum spat her out and her name was written as a pair of lips spitting in late texts.The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, Wilkinson, page. 183 ISBN 0-500-05120-8 In the earlier Pyramid Texts she is said to produce pure waters from her vagina.The Ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts, trans R.O. Faulkner, line 2065 Utt. 685.Alternate spellings of goddess' name are Tefenet, Tefnet.
== Mythology ==
Tefnet was often represented as a lioness and was thus connected with other leonine goddesses as the Eye of Ra. As her brother and consort Shu was also sometimes depicted as a lion they were worshiped as a pair of lions in Leontopolis in the Delta.The Routledge Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, George Hart ISBN0-415-34495-6, As a lioness she could display a wrathful aspect and is said to escape to Nubia in a rage from where she is brought back by Thoth.The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, Wilkinson, page. 183 ISBN 0-500-05120-8
==References==
Category:Egyptian goddesses