A central figure in Egyptian mythology, Geb was the god of the earth, symbolizing fertility, abundance and the life-giving power of the soil. Ancient Egyptians believed that his laughter caused earthquakes and that his body formed the fertile land of Egypt. In artistic forms, he is often depicted beneath his wife, the sky goddess Nut, representing the separation of earth and sky. He was also associated with healing—particularly in treating scorpion stings—and played a crucial role in the succession of divine kingship.