Traveling through Egypt we see the glorious pyramids, which contain hundreds of miles of hieroglyphics, which tell about the Egyptian way of life. However, if these hieroglyphics were somehow destroyed and the only thing that managed to survive was "Hymn to the Nile," we would still have a good example to base Egyptian religion on. .
After reading this poem we see just how much of an influence religion had on the Egyptians. They considered the Nile to be a god, which they referred to as "Re," stated in the fourth line of the poem, " That waterest the meadows which Re hath created to nourish all cattle.
That givest drink to the desert places which are far from water; his dew it is that falleth from heaven." The next line in a poem talks about an "Earth-God," and a "Corn-God," which leads me to believe they were Polytheistic. In the sixth line of the hymn it talks of "Temples," and "Festivals" which shows how they worshiped the gods. The next three lines, "The offerings of gods are diminished, and millions perish from among mankind.
When he arises earth rejoices and all men are glad; every jaw laughs and every tooth is uncovered. Bringer of nourishment, plenteous of sustenance, creating all things good." This basically shows the ups and downs of having a god of the Nile. If you anger him the nourishment you need to survive is no longer available to you, therefore you"d perish. .
We know they believed in Heaven and Hell, good and evil, as stated in line 13, "He is in the Underworld, in heaven, and upon earth." Also a good example of God being everywhere at once. The last few lines of the hymn, "Filling the barns and widening the granaries; giving to the poor. Causing trees to grow according t the uttermost desire so that men go not in lack of them." This shows god providing for his children, giving them what they need to survive in life. .
From what we can make out in "Hymn to the Nile" we can tell a great deal about their religious beliefs and how these people operated during their existence.
