description Anubis Overview
Anubis is an ancient Egyptian god of mummification, death, and the afterlife, typically depicted as a man with the head of a jackal or as a full jackal. He served as the patron deity of embalmers and oversaw the embalming process. In Egyptian mythology, he played a crucial role in the underworld by conducting the "weighing of the heart" ceremony, determining whether a deceased person's soul was worthy of entering the realm of the dead.
insights Ranking position
Anubis ranks #22 of 167 in the Deity ranking, behind Lakshmi, ahead of Amun.
help Anubis FAQ
What animal head does the Egyptian god Anubis have?
Anubis is typically depicted as a man with the head of a jackal or as a full wild jackal. This imagery was associated with the scavengers that roamed cemeteries, linking him to the protection of the dead.
What was Anubis's role in the afterlife?
Anubis served as the god of mummification and the guide of souls in the underworld. He famously oversaw the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony, where a deceased person's heart was weighed against the feather of Ma'at to determine their worthiness.
Was Anubis the supreme god of the dead in Egyptian history?
During the Old Kingdom period of Egypt, Anubis was indeed the most important god of the dead. However, his prominence waned during the Middle Kingdom when the cult of Osiris rose to power and took over many of his underworld duties.
Why did Anubis become the patron of embalmers?
According to Egyptian mythology, Anubis invented the embalming process to preserve the body of Osiris. Because he performed the first mummification, he became the eternal patron and protector of embalmers.
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