The First Female Pharaoh: Sobekneferu, Goddess of the Seven Stars
✍️ Collins, AndrewCurrently unavailable
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Delve into the enigmatic life and reign of Sobekneferu, Egypt's pioneering female pharaoh, whose monumental achievements and profound spiritual connections were unjustly obscured by history. This compelling work meticulously reconstructs her era, exploring her unique devotion to the crocodile god Sobek and the hippopotamus goddess Neith, intricately linked to stellar patterns. Beyond her ancient impact, discover her astonishing 'resurrection' among Victorian occultists and her surprising influence on iconic gothic literature, offering a complete picture of a truly forgotten ruler.
Praise for this book
“This is the first ever biography that has been written about this historical Egyptian figure. Collins meticulously pieces together the nearly lost history of Sobekneferu. He describes how under her ruler-ship Egypt survived a very dark period in its history known as the Second Intermediate Period and how it managed to become one of the most powerful and influential empires of the ancient world.”
📝 Description: The First Female Pharaoh: Sobekneferu, Goddess of the Seven Stars
📑 What's inside
- Foreword: History Is Made of Discoveries
- By Jan Summers Duffy
- Acknowledgments Preface: The Knowing of Sobekneferu
- PART 1 Discovering Sobekneferu
- 1 Female Pharaohs
- 2 Ruler of the Two Lands
- 3 Sobekneferu--The Story As We Know It
- 4 The Woman behind the Pharaoh
- 5 The Cult of Sobekneferu
- 6 Sobekneferu and the Heb Sed Mystery
- PART 2Road to Destiny
- 7 Sobekneferu in Canaan
- 8 The Vengeful Goddess
- 9 Divine Right to Rule
- PART 3 Seeds of Destruction 10 The Sister of Sobekneferu
- 11 The King's Daughters
- 12 Fate of the Dynasty
- 13 Sibling Rivalry
- 14 Flawed Visions
- 15 The Fall of Egypt
- PART 4Regicide
- 16 The Mystery of Queen Nitocris
- 17 Sobekneferu as Nitocris
- 18 Mother of Crocodiles
- 19 The Vengeance of Nitocris
- 20 The Death of Sobekneferu
- 21 Enemies of Sobekneferu
- PART 5 Faith
- 22 Joseph in Egypt
- 23 The Heliopolitan Connection
- 24 When Sobekneferu Met Joseph
- 25 Sobekneferu--The Asiatic Connection
- PART 6 Two Lands 26 Sobekneferu the Builder
- 27 The Magnificent Labyrinth
- 28 At the Center of It All
- 29 Navel of the World
- PART 7 Ancestors
- 30 The Mystery of Mazghuna North
- 31 Temple of the Crocodile
- 32 Place of the Ancestors
- 33 The Seven Snake Gods
- 34 Sobekneferu's Final Resting Place
- PART 8 Resurrection
- 35 Goddess of the Seven Stars
- 36 Servants of Sobek
- 37 Path of the Headless One
- 38 Typhonian Gnosis
- Appendix: Sobekneferu on Film and Television
- Notes Bibliography Index
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers fascinated by the intersection of ancient mythology and modern occultism will find this book particularly rewarding. It offers a unique perspective on Sobekneferu, not merely as a historical figure but as a spiritual archetype resurrected by Victorian thinkers. Those interested in how gothic literature draws from esoteric sources will appreciate the detailed exploration of her influence. The narrative provides a compelling alternative to traditional history, highlighting the unjust obscuring of her legacy. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the deep connections between stellar patterns, divine feminine power, and the enduring impact of forgotten rulers on contemporary spiritual thought.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This title appeals strongly to enthusiasts of Egyptian esotericism and Victorian occult history. However, it may disappoint readers seeking rigorous, citation-heavy academic historiography or those uninterested in mystical interpretations of ancient figures. The focus on 'resurrection' narratives and literary influence might feel too speculative for strict historians. It is best suited for those who enjoy the blending of myth, magic, and biography rather than dry factual recounting. Readers looking for straightforward political analysis of the Middle Kingdom will likely find the spiritual and gothic angles distracting or insufficiently grounded in standard historical consensus.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're drawn to hidden histories, powerful female figures, or the esoteric currents that link ancient civilizations to modern occultism, this meticulously researched volume is essential. Prepare to challenge your understanding of Egypt's royal lineage and spiritual traditions.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Egypt's Lost Matriarch
Explore the compelling story of Sobekneferu, the groundbreaking female pharaoh whose reign predated more famous queens. This book unearths her political prowess and the societal challenges she navigated, revealing why her significant contributions were largely omitted from historical records, and challenging conventional narratives of ancient Egyptian leadership.
Stellar Serpent & Hippo
Uncover Sobekneferu's deep engagement with unique spiritual practices, particularly her veneration of Sobek, the crocodile god, and Neith, the hippopotamus deity. The text illuminates how these divinities were interwoven with celestial observations and ancient magical traditions, offering a rare glimpse into her personal cosmology and ritual life.
Victorian Occult Resurrection
Trace the extraordinary posthumous journey of Sobekneferu from ancient obscurity to a surprising revival among 19th-century mystics and esoteric societies. Discover how her legend captivated figures like Bram Stoker, influencing seminal gothic literature and showcasing the enduring power of ancient Egyptian mystique in modern occult thought.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Sobekneferu
- Middle Kingdom
- Seven Stars
📔 Questions to reflect on
- What does Sobekneferu's story reveal about the deliberate erasure of powerful female figures in history, and what parallels might we draw to other historical narratives?
- How might the unique combination of animal deities (Sobek, Neith) and celestial observations have shaped Sobekneferu's personal philosophy and approach to governance?
- Reflect on the enduring human fascination with ancient Egypt. Why do figures like Sobekneferu continue to inspire occultists and artists centuries later?
📖 Read on the blog
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