"Oh, Suddenly Egyptian God" or とーとつにエジプト神, is a Japanese animated series produced by Typhoon Graphics studio. The initial season premiered in 2020, followed by the second season in January 2023. Despite its official airing in 2020, characters designed by Yuka had gained popularity on Japanese social networks prior to the show's release.
Set in Cairo, Egypt, the anime delves into the realm of Egyptian gods. Spread across two seasons, each comprising 10 episodes of 5 minutes, viewers witness the adventures of these ancient deities. Anubis, Medjed, and others inhabit Cairo, indulging not only in their divine duties but also in mundane activities. For instance, Horus engages in a side business, while Ra's constant travels rarely keep him at home.
Numerous references to ancient Egypt permeate the series. The cast predominantly consists of Egyptian deities, often depicted in their animal forms, against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Additionally, the gods maintain a social networking platform called Egystagram, where they share snapshots of their daily lives, blending modern technology with ancient mythology.
Episodes offer glimpses into the gods' everyday routines, such as Medjed's morning exercises and global strolls. Interestingly, the series also incorporates Japanese cultural elements, like the celebration of hinamatsuri (a religious shinto holiday that is celebrated in Japan on the 3rd March) against the Egyptian landscape or the gods enjoying leisure time around a kotatsu (a traditional Japanese piece of furniture consisting of a low wooden table frame topped with a futon or heavy bla) during a snowy day.
The show humorously reimagines Egyptian myths, balancing accuracy with creative liberties. Anubis, for instance, foregoes traditional scales in favor of a seesaw for soul judgment, while Set's rivalry with Horus manifests through playful pranks.
Medjed's segment faithfully recreates papyrus artwork, specifically referencing the Greenfield papyrus. The show also adapts Sa-ta from Ancient Egyptian texts, where the serpent "Sata" symbolizes infinite cycles of death and rebirth, into a recurring idol singer who quits and returns 2752 times.
Further, the depiction of deities like Khnum, the creator of humans, reflects meticulous research into Egyptian iconography and mythology. Despite some deviations, such as Ra's aquatic journey and Wenet's gender portrayal, the series adeptly intertwines historical accuracy with artistic license, offering viewers a captivating blend of entertainment and cultural insight.

Author: Catarina Madeira