A Peek Into "The Great Hymn to the Aten"

Summary

"The Great Hymn to the Aten" was written around 1350 B.C., during the time of the controversial worship in Egypt of the sun-god Aten. Previously, Ancient Egypt had been polytheistic, with various gods for different elements in life and nature. With Amenhotep IV's ascension to the throne, a new sun cult began, centering around a creator god known as Aten. Egypt was forced to switch to a more monotheistic religion, with Amenhotep claiming a close relationship with Aten. Amenhotep even changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning "he who is effective for Aten" to reflect his faith in this new god.

The hymn emphasizes the glory and power of Aten as the sun-god wraps the earth in light at his rising before plunging the land into misery at his absence at night. It affirms that Aten is life-giving, the author of all that breathes and the source of humans even before birth. The hymn also emphasizes that Aten is the only god, sharply turning from the former polytheistic beliefs of the Egyptians. Finally, it concludes with a reminder that Aten is in the heart of his "son," Amenhotep (or Akhenaten), highlighting the close relationship between the king and his god.

You are in my heart, there is no other who knows you, only your son, Neferkheprure, Sole-one-of-Re, whom you have taught your ways and your might. Those on earth come from your hand as you made them, when you have dawned they live, when you set they die; you yourself are lifetime, one lives by you. (p. 28)

Final Notes

The passage above shows how personal the god Aten is to his follower, Amenhotep, to the point where he could be described as in Amenhotep's "heart." Amenhotep is obedient to Aten and knows his ways. The passage also shows the awe felt by a follower of Aten, as he created all on earth and none can live without him.

Work Cited

"The Great Hymn to the Aten." The Norton Anthology of World Literature, edited by Martin Puchner, W. W. Norton & Company, 2018, pp. 24-28.