Triads
The divine triads represented the basic nuclear family of father, mother and son. Most of the triads were of local importance only, joining members which in other places were unconnected. The triad recognized throughout the country was the Abydos Triad, uniting Osiris, Isis and Horus. The best known triads of local importance were the Triad of Memphis, comprised of Ptah, Sekhmet and Nefertem, the Theban Triad made up of Amen, Mut and Khons. At Letopolis Khnum, Menhit and Heka formed a triad, another consisted of Khnum and two consorts, Menhit and Nebetu.
He (Ramses III) tells, inpraise, adoration, and laudation, the many benefactions and mighty deeds which he did as king and as ruler on earth for
The house of his august father, Amon-Re, king of gods, Mut, Khonsu, and all the gods of Thebes
...
The house of his august father Ptah, the great, South-of-the-Wall, lord of "Life--of-the-two-Lands"; Sekhmet the great beloved of Ptah; Nefertem, defender of the Two Lands, and all the gods of Memphis.
Papyrus Harris
J. H. Breasted, Ancient Records of Egypt, Part Four, § 183
Generally, triads were like the nuclear family: a union of the male and female principle and a son as the result of this union. Their heads were often creator gods like Ptah, Khnum or Amen.
But triads did not necessarily ressemble families. The triad of Sokaris, Ptah and Osiris ruled the realm of the dead. The sun-god Re was united with other male deities, forming a triad: Re-Khepri, the creator god of the morning, Re-Harakhte at noon, and Re-Atem in the evening.
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