The role of an animal in the modern age is primarily that of companionship or food. Older cultures, however, did not always behold animals in such a manner. In fact, cultures like that of ancient Egypt used some animals for survival purposes, and associated others with gods and goddesses, using them for sacrificial purposes. The reverence for animal gods in Ancient Egypt offers a unique perspective on how the ancients viewed their world.
In Egyptian mythology, most gods and goddesses were associated with specific animals. These animals symbolized the deity’s powers, personality, or role in the universe. These animals weren’t chosen randomly. The Egyptians observed their behaviors and believed they embodied the qualities of the gods.
The Significance of Sacred Animals
Animals in Ancient Egypt weren’t just seen as physical beings but as carriers of spiritual meaning. The Egyptians observed animals in their environment and saw traits that inspired awe, respect, and sometimes fear. Understanding the role of Egyptian animal gods offers insights into how ancient cultures viewed the world.
Cats: Symbols of Bastet and Divine Protection
Of course, no history of animals in ancient Egypt would be complete without the mention of cats. The cat was an animal that was particularly esteemed among the ancient Egyptians. Not only were cats domestic companions, but there were also symbols of the goddess Bastet, and the god Ra. Egyptians believed that cats held some of the most divine powers. Because cats were seen as so tender and protective of their offspring, pregnant women would wear amulets of Bastet with kittens.
Bastet was known as the Eye of Ra and represented fertility, motherhood, protection and aspects of the sun. Because cats symbolized Bastet, one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion, cats were given the rights of mummification, extending them the same respect after death that they were given in everyday life. They were extremely protected and were so revered that even accidentally killing one would incur the death penalty. In the event of a fire, Egyptian men would even go so far as to guard the fire to make sure that no cats ran into the flames.
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The worship of cats became popular when Bubastis was erected to be the center of worship for the goddess Bastet. Thousands of Egyptians would journey to Bubastis every year to pay homage to Bastet, who was personified by the cat. As such, when cats died, they were wrapped in fine linen and transported to Bubastis where they would be mummified and buried in the sacred cemetery.
Anubis: Guardian of the Dead
Anubis is one of the most recognizable Egyptian animal gods. Depicted with the head of a jackal, he was believed to protect the dead and guide souls to the afterlife. In Egyptian religion, there were a number of canine deities. Some of these were represented by the wolf or dog, while others like Anubis were more generic and exhibited qualities of both a dog and a jackal.
Before the rise of Osiris, Anubis was the most important funerary deity. He was the god of the dead, associated with embalming and mummification. Anubis was worshipped all over Egypt and images of the god were seen in temples, chapels and tombs throughout the pharaonic period. He is usually represented as a seated jackal or in human form with a jackal’s head, sometimes wearing a tail.
Horus: The Falcon God of Power
Horus, with his falcon head, symbolizes power and vision. His eyes were believed to be the sun and moon, and his protection was invoked by rulers seeking legitimacy. Falcons and hawks were associated with Horus, Montu and Socar, the gods of royalty, protection and strength. Because of this, these gods were oftentimes depicted with the head of a falcon, and the pharaoh often had a falcon with outstretched wings hovering above his head on his throne.
Thoth: The Ibis-Headed God of Wisdom
Thoth, often depicted as an ibis-headed god or a baboon, was associated with the moon and the invention of writing. In the ancient Egyptian language, an ibis on a perch was the hieroglyphic sign for the god Thoth. Thoth was the god of writing and knowledge and was frequently portrayed as an ibis-headed man. He was worshipped along with his little known consort Nehmentaway at the ancient city of Khumnw, near modern El-Ashmunein, on the west bank of the Nile. He is often referred to as ‘Lord of the Divine Words’ and recognised as the god of writing, scribes and wisdom.
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Believed to be the inventor of the art of writing and patron of all areas of knowledge, Thoth was responsible for all manner of accounts, records and written treaties as well as carer of libraries and scriptoria that were attached to temples. Thoth was frequently shown in ibis form or as a standing or seated ibis-headed man, usually holding a palette and pen or a notched palm leaf, engaging in some kind of administrative recording or calculation. It is possible that the long, curved beak of the ibis was identified with both the crescent moon and with the reed pen Thoth held.
Why Did Ancient Egyptians Worship Cats?
Sobek: The Crocodile God of Fertility and Power
Sobek, with a crocodile head, was both revered and feared. Crocodiles, dangerous yet powerful creatures of the Nile, were seen as protectors of the waters and bringers of fertility. The crocodile was one of Egypt’s most dangerous and feared animals. The crocodile god Sobek, whose name means simply ‘crocodile’, was a powerful deity worshipped from the Old Kingdom through to the Roman Period. He was a crocodile-headed god with several important connotations, including his association with the colour green.
Other Notable Sacred Animals
- Sekhmet: With her lioness head, Sekhmet embodied the fierce and protective qualities of a lion.
- Apis: The Apis bull was an earthly representation of Ptah, the creator god, and later associated with Osiris.
- Hathor: Represented as a cow or a woman with cow ears, Hathor was the goddess of motherhood, fertility, and love.
The Practical and Symbolic Roles of Animals
Although many of the animals in Egypt were associated with certain gods, goddesses and characteristics, many of them were also used for practical purposes. The main animals found as pets in ancient Egypt were cats, monkeys and falcons. Some pharaohs even had lions and cheetahs as pets.
Regardless of whether the animal was viewed as a sacred one or not, the Egyptians respected animals and their importance to their survival. Animals often had attractive qualities that the ancient Egyptians perhaps admired and wanted to emulate. These included strength, the ability to ward off predators, protective nature, nurturing characteristics and connections to rebirth.
Veterinary Medicine in Ancient Egypt
Veterinary medicine dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Because the Egyptians held so many types of animals in spiritual esteem, they took precautions to care for them, serving as “horse-doctors” to prevent animal diseases. Egyptians had knowledge of anatomy and dissection for both human and animal mummification. They were also able to diagnose and treat a variety of animal illnesses. Animal care flourished in Egypt where medical diviners tended to sacred animals, fattening them for slaughter for human consumption and sacrifices to the gods.
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Animals in Daily Life
The reverence for animal gods extended beyond temples and mythology. Animals were integral to daily life in Ancient Egypt.
- Cats: Linked to Bastet, cats were protectors of households.
- Livestock: Cattle, sheep, and goats provided milk, wool, meat, and were essential for agriculture.
Table of Egyptian Deities and Their Sacred Animals
| Deity | Sacred Animal(s) | Role/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Amon | Ram, Goose | God of Thebes, later identified with the sun god Re |
| Anubis | Jackal | Protector of the dead |
| Atum | None specified (usually in human form) | Sun god of Heliopolis |
| Bastet | Cat | Goddess of joy, protection, and fertility |
| Hathor | Cow | Goddess of love and protector of women |
| Horus | Falcon | God of the sky |
| Thoth | Ibis, Baboon | God of wisdom, writing, and the moon |
| Sobek | Crocodile | God of water and fertility |
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