A Who's Who of World Mythology : Atmu

In early Egyptian mythology, Atmu (Atem, Atum, Tem, Temu, Tum) was the local deity of Heliopolis. As the oldest of the creation gods, he was also refered to as the “divine god,” “self-created,” “maker of the gods,” and “maker of men.” He was a member of the Ennead, and the father of S(h)u and Tefnut. Later Atmu was the name given to the setting sun, and Atmu was merged with Ra to form Ra-Tem. In Egyptian art, Atmu is portrayed as a man or king, wearing the crowns of the South and North of Egypt. He carries in his hands the scepter and Ankh. Various animals are used to represent him also. These include the bull, lion, snake, and lizard.

According to the Pyramid Text of Pepi I, Atmu existed when:

not was sky,
not was earth,
not were men,
not were born the gods,
not was death.

It is not clear from this text what form he did exist in prior to creation. To form a home for himself, he created the celestial waters which the Egyptians called Nun. He lived there alone for some time before creating the heavens, the celestial bodies, gods, men, animals, and plants in a series of thoughts. These thoughts were translated to words by the god Thoth who was his mind or intelligence. As Thoth uttered these words, creation came into being.

According to one myth, Atmu was also responsible for the Deluge which killed all of mankind except for those few who were in the boat of the god. Like Osiris, he was one of the beings among the gods whose flesh never saw physical corruption. In later times, the Egyptians created a female counterpart to Atmu- Temt or Temit.