In Egyptian mythology, Atum is the first god of the Heliopolitan Ennead. Heliopolitan theology places Atum at the beginning of creation: he emerges from the primordial waters of Nun and brings the remaining gods into being.
Atum is described as self-created and associated with the primeval mound, or benben, that rises from the watery chaos. He produces Shu, the god of air, and Tefnut, the goddess of moisture. Their descendants form the rest of the Heliopolitan Ennead, including Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys.
Different Egyptian theological centers emphasized different creator gods. Ptah was central to Memphite theology, while Amun became especially prominent at Thebes. Ra was closely identified with the sun and was later combined with Atum as Ra-Atum, but these distinctions do not change Atum’s position in the Heliopolitan creation sequence.
Atum’s name is related to ideas of completion or totality, fitting his role as the being from whom everything arose. He was also associated with the setting sun and with the underworld, complementing the rising-sun aspect of other solar deities.