In ancient Egypt (similar to many places in the ancient world), animals were not viewed in the same light as we tend to see them today. They were often seen as either avatars of the gods themselves, who sometimes chose to utilize the animal's body as a vessel to communicate with humanity, or as embodiments of the qualities represented by the particular deity with which they were associated. It should be noted, that in Egypt, unlike countries such as India, for example, it was not the animal itself that was held sacred as a god. The animal was not worshipped; it was merely considered a representation of the god. Think of them, if you will, as 'living statues'; not only a vessel for the gods to use, but another way for their followers to show their devotion to the gods they served.
Sacred Animal Types
There were three main types of sacred animals honored by the ancient Egyptians. First and foremost, were the temple animals. As the name implies, they were kept in or near a temple. One of the functions of these animals was to serve as oracles to worshippers, and one of the most famous was the Aphis Bull of Memphis. At certain times of the day, the bull would be released into the courtyard to 'answer' questions, and depending on which stable he entered, the answer could be interpreted as either 'yes' or 'no'. The bull's death was a time of general mourning, and the embalming and burial rites of this most sacred animal would almost rival that of a pharaoh, I dare say! After its burial in the Serapeum at Saggara , the search for a replacement would begin.
Sacred Animal Types
There were three main types of sacred animals honored by the ancient Egyptians. First and foremost, were the temple animals. As the name implies, they were kept in or near a temple. One of the functions of these animals was to serve as oracles to worshippers, and one of the most famous was the Aphis Bull of Memphis. At certain times of the day, the bull would be released into the courtyard to 'answer' questions, and depending on which stable he entered, the answer could be interpreted as either 'yes' or 'no'. The bull's death was a time of general mourning, and the embalming and burial rites of this most sacred animal would almost rival that of a pharaoh, I dare say! After its burial in the Serapeum at Saggara , the search for a replacement would begin.
The second type of sacred animal were those kept in large numbers near a temple, for it was believed that the gods had the ability to manifest themselves not only in one animal, but in many of that same species. Whole communities of priests were designated to care for these animals, such as the priests of Saggara. Their duty was to care for the extensive flock of ibis, believed to be the earthly manifestation of Thoth.
Thirdly, you have the animals that were kept in private homes as representatives of the gods, most commonly snakes, dogs, and cats. Make no mistake, these were not merely pets, but part of domestic worship and their cages may have even been included in the household altar set up to honor the god of choice.
Animal Characteristics
The ancient Egyptians shared the common belief with many cultures that certain animals possessed certain qualities or characteristics, which they also attributed to certain deities. Thus, the animal became associated with that deity, or the deity may even have been believed to take on the form of that animal either fully or in a mutated variable (half animal-half human). To list all of them would take much longer than the time we have allotted, but here are some of the most common:
Thirdly, you have the animals that were kept in private homes as representatives of the gods, most commonly snakes, dogs, and cats. Make no mistake, these were not merely pets, but part of domestic worship and their cages may have even been included in the household altar set up to honor the god of choice.
Animal Characteristics
The ancient Egyptians shared the common belief with many cultures that certain animals possessed certain qualities or characteristics, which they also attributed to certain deities. Thus, the animal became associated with that deity, or the deity may even have been believed to take on the form of that animal either fully or in a mutated variable (half animal-half human). To list all of them would take much longer than the time we have allotted, but here are some of the most common:
Animal
Cat Cattle Crocodile Falcon Ibis Jackal Scarab |
Qualities
Benevolent, Fertility Strength, Fertility Maternal, Determination Protective, Royal Wisdom, Science Spirituality, Independence Resurrection, Resilience |
Deity
Bastet Hathor Ammit Horus Thoth Anubis Khepri |
Let us look, shall we, at four of the most recognized 'animal deities'.
HORUS: He is the son of Isis and Osiris by most accounts, though in earlier myths he is slated as their brother. He is the God of War and Hunting, and is seen as the patron of young men, the protector of pharaohs, and the personification of justice and righteousness. Most often he is portrayed as a man with the head of a falcon or hawk, though he has been depicted as a lion with the head of a falcon, or even a sphinx.
His 'claim to fame' is the infamous battle with his uncle, Set, over the murder of his father, Osiris. A battle, incidentally, that Horus' eventually won, but at a high cost. The price of the win was the loss of his left eye. Set was cast out into the desert, and Horus became the ruler of the land of the living, his wound healed by Thoth. The ' Eye of Horus' is one of the most well-known symbols of Egyptian mythology. In one of the most touching legends regarding it that I have personally come across, he offers the restored eye to his beloved father, Osiris, in the hopes that it will restore his life instead of keeping it for his own use. Thus, giving the eye its reputation for healing, sacrifice, restoration, and protection. Now that's love, folks! |
HATHOR: She is the daughter of Ra and Nut, the wife of Horus the Elder, mother of Horus the Younger and Ihy (the god of music and dance). She is most often depicted as a woman with a cow's head, though less commonly she has also been shown as a hippopotamus, falcon, cobra, or lioness. She is the goddess of beauty, music, dance, joy, love, and motherhood. She is seen as a protector of women, especially during the time of pregnancy and childbirth. Because of her link with women, she is also seen as the patroness of cosmetic arts.
Hathor is one of the more popular goddesses, and some legends have her linked to all of the goddesses, with the belief that all of them stem from her. As a result, she enjoys many titles, such as "Mistress of Heaven", "Mistress of Life", and "Mother of Mothers". It is believed that at the birth of a baby, seven Hathors often come to the beside to determine his or her fate. It is said that Hathor knows the time of death of every person living in Egypt. Pretty impressive if you ask me! |
THOTH: He is believed to be self-created, though in some legends he is listed as being sired by Ra. Usually depicted as a man with the head of an ibis, Thoth is the God of Wisdom, and is believed to be the author of the "Book of the Dead", which we shall be talking about more in a future lesson. Additionally, the invention of hieroglyphics. He is also known as the god of writing, knowledge, time, fantasy, speaking and invention. It should come as no surprise that he is the patron of scientists, writers, teachers, scribes, and mathematicians.
Thoth's wisdom led him to become an arbitrator among the other gods, and his role as the Great Counselor earned him a place of honor in the Hall of Judgement. It should be noted that he is also heavily involved in matters of magic and judging of the dead. |
BASTET: She is the daughter of Ra and Isis, and is one of the most easily recognizable of all the Egyptian deities. Literally speaking, she is the 'Goddess of Cats", and alternate spelling of her names are Bast, Baast. Ubasti, and Baset. She is also sometimes seen as the personification of the soul of her mother, Isis.
As well as cats, she is attributed with being the goddess of children, the home, fire, sunrise, music, dance, pleasure, sexuality, fertility, and pregnant women. She is seen as the protector against contagious diseases and evil spirits. She is the wife of Ptah, and the mother of the lion god, Mihos, and the god of perfume, Nefertum. Bastet has a dual nature. On one hand, she can be very nurturing and maternal, but on the other she is very destructive and vengeful. This 'battle side' comes out especially when she is acting as protector of the pharaoh. It is then that she takes on the form of her twin sister, Sekhmet, who some say is merely an extension of her own self. Whatever the case, because of Bastet, cats will never be looked upon in Egypt in quite the same way! |
This concludes our lesson. Please go to Assignment 3 for your homework.