In Egyptian mythology, Atum is often considered the father of the gods. He is a creator deity associated with the sun and is known to have brought forth the first deities, Shu (air) and Tefnut (moisture), from his own being. Atum represents the beginning of creation, embodying the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This patriarchal figure exemplifies the stability and unity of the cosmos within Egyptian belief systems, influencing their understanding of creation and the supremacy of gods in maintaining order.