Who Was Anubis in Ancient Egyptian Mythology?
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis, a jackal-headed god, was born from the chaos of the early universe.
His mysterious origins continue to be a subject of fascination and intrigue throughout history.
The Birth and Origins of Anubis
Nephthys, Isis's sister and Set's wife, disguised herself as Isis and had an affair with Osiris, giving birth to Anubis.
When Isis learned about Anubis's real parentage, she chose compassion over anger towards Nephthys.
Nephthys, regretful and scared of Set's anger, joined Isis to hide baby Anubis in the marshes.
Known for her motherly qualities, Isis raised Anubis as her own and he grew to be a loyal follower of both Isis and Osiris.
_(Vall%C3%A9e_des_Rois_Th%C3%A8bes_ouest)_-4.webp "Anubis-at-the-head-of-a-jackal") |
| Detail from the fresco in the tomb of King Horemheb with Osiris, Anubis, and Horus. Horemheb, the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, restored Amon's worship after Akhenaten. | Source: Originally posted on Flickr as "La tombe de Horemheb (KV.57)." | License: Uploaded to Commons by Dorieo on August 29, 2008, licensed under the specified terms. | Author: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra |
Appearance and Symbolism of Anubis
Anubis, born from Osiris and Nephthys, is depicted with sharp, black fur, representing the cleverness of a jackal and the seriousness of death.
His imposing figure contrasts with the beautiful sunsets and sounds of the desert.
His eyes, resembling bright celestial bodies, hold the mysteries of the universe and the hidden truths of the underworld.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Deity Name | Anubis (Inpu or Anpu in Ancient Egyptian) |
| Symbol | Jackal head, Flail, Scales of Justice |
| Role | God of Mummification, Guardian of the Dead |
| Associated With | Afterlife, Ma'at, Weighing of the Heart |
| Major Myths | Weighing of the Heart, Protection of Osiris, Battle with Set |
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| View of a pillar from the tomb of Tausert depicting Anubis – 19th Dynasty – Valley of the Kings | Date: 30 September 2006 | Source: No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed. | Author: No machine-readable author provided. Neithsabes assumed. |
Anubis – The Egyptian Guide to the Afterlife
Snapshot facts about Anubis (Inpu/Anpu): god of mummification, protector of tombs, and guide of souls.
1) Origin
- Son of Osiris & Nephthys (raised by Isis).
- Linked to necropolis/jackal symbolism.
2) Appearance & Symbols
- Jackal-headed deity; black color = death & rebirth.
- Key symbols: Scales of Justice, Flail, Ankh.
3) Main Roles
- God of Mummification & embalming.
- Protector of tombs & cemeteries.
- Guide of souls to the Hall of Truth.
4) Key Myths
- Weighing of the Heart (against Ma’at’s feather).
- Protection & embalming of Osiris.
- Conflicts with Set; role with the Eye of Horus.
5) Worship & Rites
- Offerings of food & incense; funerary liturgy.
- Priests officiate rites incl. Opening of the Mouth.
- Popular in New Kingdom necropolises.
6) Iconic Scenes
- Anubis adjusting the scales in Hunefer’s papyrus.
- Stelae showing worshippers venerating Anubis.
Anubis as Guardian of the Afterlife
Anubis, clothed in majestic attire, carried the symbol of a protector, watching over souls as they journeyed from life to the afterlife.
His nature represented the connection between life and death, leading the departed with a firm hand through the enigmas of the beyond.
Anubis, beyond being a god, symbolizes change and transcendence, serving as a spiritual navigator across the ambiguous territories that link our earthly life to the infinite universe.
Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead, played a crucial role beyond mythological stories.
He was responsible for leading the spirits of the deceased from the living world to the afterlife.
His task was to guide these souls through the complex paths to the Hall of Truth, where Osiris would determine their fate.
His role was essential and significant, far beyond a simple ritualistic duty.
Anubis, the guardian of the afterlife, played a vital role in maintaining Ma'at, the cosmic order of the universe.
His duties were crucial in preserving the balance of existence across realms.
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| Artist: Hunefer | Title: Papyrus of Hunefer | Object type: Manuscript | Description: "This is an excellent example of one of the many fine vignettes from the Book of the Dead of Hunefer. The scene shows Anubis bringing Hunefer into the judgment area, with his heart being weighed against a feather. Hunefer is ultimately judged and shown before Osiris, having become 'true of voice'. The scene is a representation of the Egyptian afterlife judgment process." | Date: Circa 1275 BCE | Medium: Papyrus | Dimensions: Height: 39.8 cm, Width: 550 cm | Collection: British Museum | Accession number: EA 9901 | Place of creation: Ancient Egypt | References: British Museum Page | Source/Photographer: British Museum, Web Citation. |
In the quiet moonlight of Egypt, Anubis served as a watchful protector over sacred burial sites, ensuring the peaceful journey to eternity.
As a jackal-headed deity, Anubis attentively guarded tombs from malicious forces attempting to disturb their sanctity.
The guardian protects against grave robbers, providing comfort to the living and ensuring the safety of the departed in the afterlife.
Anubis, the guardian of death's secrets, stands as the conductor of ceremonies that connect our world with the divine.
He oversees funeral practices and traditions, guiding souls smoothly into the Duat, the hallowed land of the deceased.
Under Anubis' guidance, death changed from a final ending to a significant transition towards the afterlife.
His presence influenced various meaningful rituals, creating a heavenly connection throughout the realms of being.
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| Image: Wall painting from the tomb of Sennedjem. Anubis attending the mummy of the deceased. Author: Self. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. |
The Role of Anubis in Mummification
Anubis's influence led to the creation of the sacred mummification practice, combining science and spirituality to honor the soul's journey.
As the jackal-headed god, Anubis guided embalmers in preserving the earthly body, creating a connection between mortal life and the everlasting afterlife.
Anubis, the god of the dead, was crucial to the mummification process, a role bestowed upon him by goddess Isis.
As the jackal-headed god, Anubis guided embalmers in preserving the earthly body, creating a connection between mortal life and the everlasting afterlife.
Anubis, the god of the dead, was crucial to the mummification process, a role bestowed upon him by goddess Isis.
Anubis and the Myth of Osiris
This role intertwined Anubis's existence with the tragic story of Isis and Osiris, where Osiris was betrayed and killed by his own brother, Set.
The pieces of Osiris's body were dispersed throughout the land.
The goddess Isis bravely ventured into the Egyptian deserts to recover her husband's body parts.
Anubis, the god of mummification, solemnly supervised the process, helping Osiris become the first mummy through sacred rituals.
Anubis successfully mummified Osiris despite difficulties, including hiding his location from Set, who aimed to disrupt the celestial order and cause chaos.
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| Anubis, Isis, Nephthys in Theban Tomb 335 (Nakhtamun), from the reign of Ramesses II. Date: 17 May 2013. Author: ShillukinUSA. Source: Own work. |
Set attempted to prevent the revival of Osiris, inciting conflict with Anubis, the protector of the afterlife and defender of Isis and Osiris.
The battle between the god of chaos, Set and the steadfast guardian, Anubis, resonated throughout the universe.
Despite obstacles, Anubis showed unyielding courage, symbolizing the perpetual battle between life and death.
The Weighing of the Heart Ceremony
Anubis's battles with Set symbolize his dedication to protecting the afterlife. He plays a crucial role in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, guiding souls to the Hall of Truth for judgment.
There, the soul stands before a divine tribunal to declare their adherence to the laws of Ma'at.
 |
| A section of Plate 3 from the Papyrus of Ani, a version of the Book of the Dead for the Scribe Ani, featuring Chapter 30B titled "Chapter For Not Letting Ani's Heart Create Opposition Against Him, in the Gods' Domain." Date: 14 April 2006 (original upload date). Source: Own work (assumed). Author: FinnBjo~commonswiki (assumed) |
In ancient beliefs, a ritual determined the fate of souls. A soul's essence was weighed against the feather of Ma'at.
If balanced, the soul was deemed righteous and led to eternal paradise, the Field of Reeds.
If not, the heart was given to Ammit, the predator, which led to an eternity in the underworld. This judgment was believed to be based on earthly deeds.
Anubis and the Eye of Horus
In a celestial play involving godly forces, Anubis' role extended beyond the dominion of the deceased, impacting the recovering Eye of Horus.
Damaged in a grand battle between Horus and Set, the Eye of Horus was nursed back to health under the vigilance of Anubis.
With the aid of Thoth, the wise deity, Anubis helped to restore Horus so he could continue his claims on the throne against Set.
Hence, the Eye of Horus transformed into a beacon of divine energy, imprinted with Anubis' enduring imprint.
Anubis in the Fight Against Apep
In ancient Egypt, the entity of chaos, Apep, threatened to plunge the sun god, Ra, into eternal darkness.
In response, Ra called upon all other gods, including Anubis, to help him fight against this looming chaos.
The gods, led by Ra and including Anubis, participated in a daily battle against Apep. This ongoing struggle represented a fight between order and chaos.
Anubis, the jackal-headed deity, was revered by ancient Egyptians as a compassionate guide to the afterlife.
His symbolic figure worked as a reassuring comfort, acting as a benevolent guardian and bridge between life and death.
Anubis played a crucial role in Egyptian beliefs, woven into their consciousness and helping the deceased navigate the enigmatic realms beyond life.
Worship and Temples of Anubis
In temples where the divine and earthly realms meet, devotees worship Anubis with deep reverence.
Incense fills the air and priests in ceremonial attire chant prayers, inviting the deity's presence.
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| Stela of Siamun and Taruy worshipping Anubis. Description: Stela, Siamun and Taruy, Anubis. Date: circa 1400–1390 B.C., New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Thutmose IV. Medium: Sandstone, paint. Dimensions: 0.591m x 0.456m. Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Current location: Egyptian Art. Accession number: 90.6.128. Place of discovery: From Egypt. Credit line: Gift of James Douglas, 1890. Source: Met Museum. |
Offerings of food symbolize sustenance for the dead, emphasizing the connection between the living and departed.
Anubis serves as a bridge between these realms, receiving the faithful's aspirations and prayers, echoing eternally within sacred spaces.
Ancient Egyptian rituals often honored Anubis, the god of death and funerals. Priests wearing fancy outfits performed these ceremonies that reflected cosmic order.
People participated in these occasions to seek Anubis's guidance for the deceased and comfort in the face of death.
The process of every death under Anubis's guidance was strictly ritualistic.
Funerary Rites and the Afterlife Journey
Upon a person's death, their body was prepared for the afterlife. This process included washing, anointing with oils, organ removal (excluding the heart), and being preserved using resins before being wrapped in linen bandages.
Anubis played a crucial role in overseeing this mummification process.
The Opening of the Mouth ceremony was a significant ritual where priests symbolically reawakened a mummy's senses using specific tools.
This ceremony was done to prepare the deceased for their journey in the afterlife.
.webp "Opening_of_the_mouth_ceremony") |
| Hunefer. Title: Papyrus of Hunefer. Object type: Manuscript. Description: An illustration from the Book of the Dead of Hunefer showing the Opening of the Mouth ritual, the mummy supported by Anubis, and other funerary scenes. Date: 1275 BC. Medium: Papyrus. Dimensions: Height 39.8 cm (15.6 in), Width 550 cm (18 ft). Collection: British Museum. Accession number: EA 9901. Place of creation: Ancient Egypt. References: British Museum. |
The deceased's grave was equipped with different funeral goods such as personal items, food, and essentials for the afterlife.
Preparations often involved invoking Anubis to guarantee the departed was prepared for their afterlife journey.
In ancient funeral rites, a procession with family and priests would carry the deceased to their grave, performing prayers and ceremonies to call on Anubis for protection.
Anubis then escorted the souls to where their hearts were weighed against Ma’at's feather, deciding their afterlife destiny.
The mummified body, with its grave goods, was entombed with "Book of the Dead" inscriptions to aid the soul’s passage, with Anubis’s safeguarding presence continually sought.
In the concluding stage, relatives and clergy offered prayers and tributes to respect the departed and implore Anubis for ongoing support and safeguard in the afterlife.
Legacy of Anubis in Egyptian Mythology
Anubis, the ancient Egyptian guardian with a jackal's head, has left a profound impact on history.
He symbolizes protection for the departed and is believed to hold the secrets to the afterlife. His significance stretches across centuries, emanating a sense of exploration within and beyond life's boundaries.
His multi-dimensional character continues to be a guiding figure for humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anubis
1) Who was Anubis in Ancient Egyptian religion?Anubis was the god of mummification, protector of tombs, and guide of souls to the afterlife, usually depicted as a man with the head of a jackal.
2) Why is Anubis depicted with a jackal’s head?
The jackal was associated with cemeteries in ancient Egypt, making it a fitting symbol for a deity who guarded graves and oversaw funerary rites.
3) What role did Anubis play in the “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony?
Anubis guided the deceased to the scales and oversaw the weighing of the heart against the feather of Ma’at to determine their fate in the afterlife.
4) Was Anubis always the ruler of the underworld?
In the Old Kingdom, Anubis was considered the primary god of the dead, but later Osiris took over this role, while Anubis focused on embalming and guiding souls.
5) What is Anubis’ connection to the Osiris myth?
According to ancient tradition, Anubis embalmed and wrapped Osiris’s body, solidifying his role as the god of mummification.
6) What are the other names of Anubis?
Anubis was also known as Anpu or Inpu in ancient Egyptian language.
7) What archaeological evidence exists for the worship of Anubis?
Archaeological finds include statues, temple reliefs, and stelae depicting Anubis, such as the Stela of Siamun and Taruy from the 18th Dynasty.
8) What happened if the heart balanced with the feather of Ma’at?
If balanced, the deceased was deemed “true of voice” and allowed to enter paradise; if heavier, the heart was devoured by the creature Ammit.
9) What symbols are associated with Anubis?
Common symbols include the jackal, the flail, the scales of justice, and the “imuyt” fetish related to embalming.
10) Are there images of Anubis adjusting the scales?
Yes, ancient Egyptian art frequently shows Anubis at the scales during the judgment scene in the Book of the Dead.
References
- David, Rosalie. Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt. London: Penguin UK, 2002.
- Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Myth: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
- Taylor, John H. Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2001.
- Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. London: Thames & Hudson, 2003.
- Hornung, Erik. Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1996.
- Allen, James P. Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
