Depictions and Symbols of Sekhmet
She was typically depicted as a woman with a lioness's head, crowned with a sun disk, symbolizing her connection to Ra, the sun god.
Myth of the Eye of Ra and Sekhmet’s Wrath
In ancient Egyptian mythology, it is said that death first entered the world when the Eye of Ra descended as Sekhmet to punish humanity for its disobedience.
Called “She who dances on blood,” Sekhmet unleashed her wrath so violently that she almost eradicated humankind before being cleverly tricked into halting her destruction.
Ironically, since humans were believed to have been created from the tears of Ra's Eye, Sekhmet was slaughtering the very offspring of her divine essence.
Protector of Kings and Consort of Ptah
Despite her fearsome nature, Sekhmet was also seen as a protective figure, particularly to Egypt's kings.
In Memphis, she was worshipped as the consort of Ptah and the mother of Nefertem.
In the ancient Pyramid Texts, Sekhmet is even referred to as a parent to the king, guiding him into the celestial afterlife.
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| Object in the Ägyptisches Museum Berlin (Egyptian museum, building of the New Museum), Berlin. Date: 28 December 2005. Source: Created by Magnus Manske. Author: Magnus Manske. |
Sekhmet in Funerary Texts and Battle Myths
Similarly, in the Coffin Texts, she is identified with the Red Crown of Lower Egypt and the fiery uraeus serpent, often described as “the serpent who is upon her father.” Her image as a warrior goddess is further emphasized in myths that depict her as wielding a knife during the great cosmic battles between order and chaos.
.webp "ekhmet_(British_Museum)") |
| Sekhmet statue kept in the British Museum, London. Date: 12/07/2006. Medium: Granodiorite. Dimensions: Height: 206 cm (81.1 in). Collection: British Museum (wikidata:Q6373). Current location: Room 4. Accession number: EA 57. References: britishmuseum.org. Source/Photographer: Stormnight (Own work). |
Guardian of the Sun God Ra
Sekhmet’s role extended beyond myths of war and punishment. In funerary literature from the New Kingdom, she is often shown aboard the solar barque, standing guard to defend Ra from the chaos serpent, Apophis.
Texts from the Book of the Dead invoke Sekhmet’s might, with users hoping to vanquish their supernatural foes as decisively “as Sekhmet the Great would.
” King Rameses II even claimed that Sekhmet accompanied him into battle, her fiery breath poised to obliterate his enemies.
Sekhmet as Bringer of Disease and Healing
Although she was revered, Sekhmet also embodied the perilous and destructive side of the sun. Her association with the sun’s heat linked her to sunstroke, drought, famine, and even deadly plagues.
She was considered one of the most feared deities, with her "arrows" symbolizing the messengers of disease and destruction. Over time, these "arrows" were personified as seven plague-bringing entities.
However, as the controller of disease, Sekhmet was paradoxically also associated with healing. Her priests, active from the Old Kingdom onward, became renowned for their expertise in healing magic, blending rituals and spells to protect against illness.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal Symbol | Lioness – representing ferocity, strength, and protection |
| Main Role | Goddess of War, Destruction, and Divine Retribution |
| Healing Power | Believed to both send plagues and cure illnesses through rituals |
| Consort | Ptah, the creator god of Memphis |
| Protective Role | Guardian of pharaohs and the Eye of Ra in battle |
| Major Symbols | Red Crown of Lower Egypt, Solar Disk, Scepter of Power |
| Main Center of Worship | Memphis – where thousands of priestesses served her cult |
Rituals and Worship of Sekhmet
One of Sekhmet’s most critical roles was during the dangerous transitional period between the old and new year when infectious diseases posed heightened risks.
Ancient Egyptians performed rituals to appease Sekhmet, transforming her from a raging lioness into a benevolent goddess.
By the New Kingdom, Sekhmet had come to represent the aggressive aspects of other significant goddesses, including Hathor, Mut, and even Isis in later traditions.
Legacy and Lasting Symbolism
Sekhmet’s multifaceted nature as both a destructive force and a protector, healer, and divine warrior cements her position as one of ancient Egypt’s most revered and complex deities.
She remains a symbol of both the power of vengeance and the potential for restoration.
Infographic: Key Facts about Sekhmet
Core Roles
- Goddess of War & Retribution: Embodies divine wrath against chaos and enemies of Ra.
- Healer & Protector: Sends plague yet cures illness through rites and priestly intercession.
- Guardian of Kings: Fierce defender of the pharaoh in battle and state rituals.
Symbols & Iconography
- Lioness Head: Ferocity, solar power, royal might.
- Solar Disk & Uraeus: Connection to Ra and burning, purifying heat.
- Red Crown (Deshret): Lower Egypt, sovereignty, punitive force.
- Scepter & Ankh: Authority, vitality, sanctioned power to destroy and to heal.
Myths & Cult
- Eye of Ra: Sent to punish humanity; pacified with red beer in the “Destruction of Mankind” tale.
- Consort of Ptah: Paired with creator-god at Memphis; mother of Nefertum in many traditions.
- Priestly Healing Rites: Daily offerings, recitations, and festival cures to avert plague.
Geography & Legacy
- Main Centers: Memphis and surrounding region; wide veneration across Egypt.
- Dual Nature: Destruction and cure as two faces of sacred power.
- Enduring Symbolism: Modern culture reads her as archetype of fierce feminine strength.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sekhmet
- Who was Sekhmet? Sekhmet was the lioness-headed goddess of war, plague, and healing in ancient Egypt.
- Why was Sekhmet feared? She represented the destructive power of Ra and was believed to unleash plagues and fiery wrath.
- What symbols are associated with Sekhmet? Her main symbols include the lioness head, solar disk, uraeus, and the red crown of Lower Egypt.
- Was Sekhmet only destructive? No, she was also a healer, protector of kings, and invoked in medical rituals.
- Who was Sekhmet’s consort? She was often paired with Ptah, the creator-god, and considered the mother of Nefertum.
- Where was Sekhmet worshiped? Memphis was her main cult center, though her worship spread widely across Egypt.
- What myth is Sekhmet most famous for? The “Destruction of Mankind” myth, where she nearly annihilates humanity before being pacified with red beer.
- How did Egyptians calm Sekhmet’s anger? Through rituals, offerings, and symbolic festivals designed to appease her fiery nature.
- Is Sekhmet linked to medicine? Yes, priests of Sekhmet were healers who used incantations and remedies to cure illness.
- What does Sekhmet represent today? She is seen as a symbol of feminine power, transformation, and resilience.
References
- Assmann, Jan. Egyptian Solar Religion in the New Kingdom: Re, Amun and the Crisis of Polytheism. London: Routledge, 1995.
- Bleeker, C. J. Hathor and Thoth: Two Key Figures of the Ancient Egyptian Religion. Leiden: Brill, 1973.
- Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
- Roberson, Joshua. The Awakening of Osiris and the Transit of the Solar Barques: Royal Apotheosis in Ancient Egypt. San Antonio: Van Siclen Books, 2013.
- Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. London: Thames & Hudson, 2003.
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