The gods of ancient Egypt were a personification of what was important. The pharaoh was the mediator between the gods and mankind. He provided for the gods, through the priests and the temples. This kept order and balance (maat), as offerings made the gods happy. In return the gods gave blessings such as good harvests or recovery from illness.

Each god had certain powers or interests – Isis, as a mother, became linked to the protection of mothers.