Egyptian mythology to this day excites the imagination of not only researchers, but also ordinary people. All stories are like a fairy tale, which is not always kind and bright. There are terrible stories in it about curses and about the fate of enemies. Deities occupy a place of honor in the history of Egypt. Not the least important god of the dead with the head of a jackal.
Patron of the dead
According to some legends, Anubis is the son of the god of all plants Osiris and Nephthys. According to legend, Nephthys for a long time hid the newborn from her husband Seth. The young deity found shelter with the mother goddess Isis , the sister of Nephthys. Seth later discovered betrayal and ruined Osiris. Anubis personally engaged in burial and wrapped the body of the dead with specially impregnated fabrics.
In the manuscripts of Ancient Egypt, the god of the dead with the head of a jackal is depicted sitting on a throne. According to legend, it was he who first made the mummy. He is also the founder of the burial ritual. Anubis is considered a deity who participated in the court of the dead; he transported the righteous to Osiris. Unrighteous souls fell into the kingdom of Ammith. He was portrayed as a man with the head of a jackal. According to one legend, Anubis took on the appearance of a jackal to find parts of the body of the deceased Osiris.
First mention
According to legend, Anubis, the god of the kingdom of the dead in Egypt, became the first patron of the underworld. For a long time he was considered the main deity in this kingdom. His task was to transfer the dead from the world of the living to the world of the dead. However, after the death of Osiris and exaltation, he is given a secondary role. In the famous Book of the Dead, Anubis is depicted in the scene of weighing the heart of the deceased on the scales of justice. He is always helped by his own daughter, Cabechet, who is actively involved in the process of mummification.
There is still no exact description of the beginning of the life of a deity. This is evidence that God is more ancient than many could have imagined. Its origin is shrouded in mystery. In addition, the god of the dead with the head of a jackal has several names. He was revered throughout ancient Egypt. But the most ardent adherents were the inhabitants of Kinopolis.
How to ensure souls get to Osiris?
The ancient Egyptians believed that only a deep reverence for the gods would allow a place in the afterlife. The patron god of the dead personally monitored the mummification of bodies. That is why the priests put on a jackal mask during mummification. In addition, he judged souls by weighing their hearts on the scales. Thus, he measured their faith in the gods.
In order for the deceased soul to find peace in the underworld, the embalming ritual must take place in strict accordance with the requirements. One slightest mistake led to the restless wandering of the soul in the world of the living. To appease Anubis, it was necessary to put the emblem of God near the deceased. In addition, there were other items that the soul might need.
After embalming Anubis (the god of the dead with the head of a jackal), accompanied the soul to the throne of Osiris. Here, in the face of the main deity of the underworld, the heart of the deceased was put on the scales. On the second bowl was supposed to put the feather of the goddess of justice. If the weight of the sins of the soul outweighed, it was sent to the demon Ammat. Only souls with a pure heart and thoughts could find peace.
Images of god
Unfortunately, the whole statues of God have not reached our days. Most of the tombs were looted. There were daredevils who were not afraid of the curses of the pharaohs and priests. The only surviving statue is the jackal, which was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Here he is depicted in full growth on guard of the treasury. Also found were masks that were used in the embalming process. All found exhibits are carefully stored in museums.