Guardian of the Underworld
Anubis stands as one of ancient Egypts most iconic deities – a god with the head of a jackal and the body of a man, serving as the lord of mummification and guide of souls through the perilous journey to the afterlife.
Origins and Worship
Anubis emerged as one of Egypts oldest gods, predating even Osiris in the role of death deity. His association with jackals likely stemmed from these animals scavenging near desert cemeteries. Priests performing mummification rituals wore Anubis masks, embodying the god himself.
Sacred Duties
Anubis held several crucial roles in Egyptian religion. As the inventor of mummification, he preserved the body of Osiris after Sets murder. He oversaw funeral rites and guided souls through the Duat, the Egyptian underworld. Most importantly, he conducted the Weighing of the Heart ceremony.
The Weighing Ceremony
In the Hall of Two Truths, Anubis weighed the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Maat, goddess of truth. A heart lighter than the feather meant the soul could proceed to paradise. A heavier heart would be devoured by Ammit, denying eternal life.
Iconography
Anubis appears most commonly as a man with a black jackal head, though sometimes as a full jackal. The black coloring represented the fertile Nile soil, symbolizing rebirth and the preservation of bodies through mummification.
Enduring Legacy
Anubis continues to captivate modern imaginations. He appears throughout popular culture, maintaining his role as a mysterious guide between the worlds of the living and dead.
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