In the shadows of the pyramids, where history whispers from every stone, stands Anubis, the guardian of the afterlife. This jackal-headed god, known for guiding souls into the beyond, is more than a deity; he is a symbol of the ancient Egyptians’ complex beliefs about death and the afterlife.

We are going to explore his enigmatic world, revealing surprising insights and shedding light on how this ancient figure influences our understanding of Egyptian mythology today. From his origins to his portrayal in modern media, prepare to be amazed by the enduring legacy of Anubis.

Anubis Facts

Dive into the fascinating world of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god of mummification, with these surprising facts. Read carefully, because I created a quiz at the end of this page to test your knowledge!

1. Anubis was initially seen as the protector of burial sites, ensuring that those who passed away were guarded.
2. Represented with a jackal head, this symbolism was due to the belief that jackals roamed around graveyards, linking him to death and the afterlife.
3. While his lineage is often debated, he is typically identified as the offspring of Osiris and Nephthys, a relationship enveloped in secrecy.
4. In the tale of Osiris, he played a pivotal role, aiding in the embalming and resurrection of Osiris after Seth’s treachery.
5. In the ceremony where the heart’s weight was assessed, he compared the heart against the feather of Ma’at to decide their final fate.
6. The Greeks likened him to Hermes, creating a composite deity known as Hermanubis, combining their roles as guides to the afterlife.
7. One of Egypt’s most ancient deities, his veneration predates that of many others, with evidence stretching back to the Old Kingdom.
8. A symbolic monument dedicated to him was found within Tutankhamun’s tomb, showcasing his lasting significance.
9. His priesthood, known for donning jackal masks during ceremonies, was deeply respected, acting as earthly embodiments of him.
10. Though he appeared intimidating, he was regarded as a gentle guide, ushering souls through the underworld’s darkness (the Duat).
11. Cynopolis, now called El Qeis, served as his cult center, where both dogs and jackals were honored and mummified as votive offerings.
12. His name signifies “One Who is in the Embalming Place,” underscoring his dominion over mummification and afterlife ceremonies.
13. The Book of the Dead frequently shows him conducting the Opening of the Mouth ritual, which is essential for enabling the deceased to breathe and speak in the afterlife.

14. His dark fur is a symbol of renewal and regrowth, emblematic of the fertile soil along the Nile following its annual inundation.
15. By the Middle Kingdom, his prominence as a foremost funerary god was overshadowed by Osiris, yet he continued to play a crucial role in afterlife traditions.
16. The ascalaphus plant, linked to him for its guarding properties, was often placed in tombs and sarcophagi as a token of his protective embrace.
17. Unlike many gods, he had no large temples erected in his honor; worship occurred mainly at burial sites and through personal acts of devotion.
18. The Imiut fetish, an emblematic stuffed animal skin, was associated with him and believed to repel malevolent forces.
19. Far from being seen as a malevolent figure, he was viewed as a defender against the perils that lurk within the underworld.
20. Often depicted wielding the crook and flail, symbols of sovereignty, his imagery underscored his authority over the realm of the dead.
21. The Pyramid Texts, ancient religious texts, contain spells to invoke his guardianship on the journey to the afterlife.
22. In later times, his identity was merged with that of Wepwawet, another wolf-like deity, reflecting their shared attributes of guidance and safeguarding.
23. The Lykopolis burial ground was another key site of veneration, where the appearance of wild canines was seen as a sign of Anubis’s protection.
24. Objects such as amulets bearing his likeness were popular among both the living and the dead as protective charms to ensure a safe journey beyond.
25. His form is believed to amalgamate features of both the African golden wolf and the jackal, reflecting his connection to the edge of deserts near burial grounds.
26. Worship rituals for him included annual celebrations, notably the Feast of Anubis, which involved rites, offerings, and commemorations for the departed.
27. In mythology, he is hailed for crafting the first mummy and imparting to humanity the techniques of preservation.
28. The enchantments linked to Anubis offered protection against serpents and scorpions, frequent hazards in the Egyptian wilderness.

29. Although chiefly tied to the realm of death, he also played a role in birth ceremonies, symbolizing his protective reach extending to infants and their mothers.
30. Images of him were not only placed in tombs as protectors but also as observers of the heart’s weighing, ensuring a fair judgment.
31. The Heart Scarab, inscribed with spells, was placed atop the heart during mummification to safeguard it from being judged by him.
32. In his capacity as guardian of the scales, he guaranteed that no soul faced the afterlife unassessed, upholding the cosmic equilibrium.
33. Beyond his underworld associations, he was called upon in everyday life for defense against tangible and spiritual threats.
34. The Tale of Setne Khamwas portrays him punishing a grave robber, emphasizing his role as defender of the deceased.
35. During the Hellenistic era, he was shown in Greek-style armor, indicating the amalgamation of cultures and his ongoing role as a guardian.
36. The Sebiumeker, a lesser-known facet of Anubis, pertained to his title as “Master of Secrets”, underscoring his ties to the mystical and hidden.
37. His feast was crucial in reaffirming the links between the living and the deceased, featuring communal meals where the departed were celebrated and remembered.
38. Despite his somber depictions, Anubis also symbolized hope, heralding the prospect of life after death.

39. In certain areas, he was revered as a guardian of orphans, broadening his protective scope beyond the afterlife.
40. The Djed pillar amulets, emblematic of stability, were occasionally paired with imagery of Anubis to signify his role in upholding order.
41. His association with embalming positioned him as a patron of medics and healers, who looked to him for guidance in their practices.
42. His iconography was a frequent motif on canopic chests, which stored the internal organs of mummies, further linking him to regeneration and protection.
43. Mythological narratives connecting him with Osiris were reflected in the constellations, associating him with Orion and guiding souls to the celestial realms.
44. Devotions to him included offerings of food and drink, as well as incense and aromatic oils, believed to appease the deity and secure his goodwill for the dead.
45. In some stories, he is credited with inventing the senet game, a representation of the soul’s passage through the afterlife.
46. The Valley of the Kings, a significant royal burial site, fell under his vigilant protection, ensuring the pharaohs a guarded transit to the beyond.
47. Images of him were used on amulets placed in homes and tombs to invoke his power to shield against misfortune and evil.
48. Despite his ancient roots, Anubis remains a favored figure in contemporary culture, featured in various forms of media and often depicted as a guardian of life’s secrets and mysteries.
49. During the Late Period of ancient Egypt, Anubis was sometimes depicted atop a shrine during funeral processions, symbolizing his role as the ultimate guardian of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
50. Anubis’s involvement in the judgment of souls extends beyond mere weighing; he also escorted the virtuous to the Field of Reeds, a place of eternal peace and abundance, akin to the concept of heaven in ancient Egyptian belief.

Anubis Myths

We’ve delved into Anubis’s historical roots, but now it’s time to explore the captivating myths that swirl around him. Prepare to separate truth from fantasy as we uncover thrilling tales of his origins, duties, and the power he wielded in the afterlife.

• Anubis is the God of the Dead
  He is often mistaken solely as the God of the Dead, but he is primarily the God of Mummification and the Afterlife. His role was to protect and guide the deceased through the afterlife, ensuring their safe passage and judgment, not to govern the realm of the dead, which was more closely associated with Osiris.
• Anubis’s Head is That of a Dog
  The head of Anubis is actually that of a jackal, not a dog. This confusion arises from the similarity in appearance between jackals and dogs. In ancient Egypt, jackals were often seen in cemeteries, leading to the belief that Anubis, with his jackal head, watched over the dead.
• Anubis and Osiris Were Always Rivals
  Contrary to the myth that he and Osiris were rivals, their roles in the afterlife were complementary. Anubis was initially the God of the Underworld until Osiris took over that role. Afterward, he became the god who prepared the dead for the afterlife, working in harmony with Osiris.
• Anubis is Only Worshiped in Egypt
  While he was a deity of ancient Egyptian origin, his worship was not confined solely to Egypt. The influence of Egyptian religion and culture spread across neighboring regions, leading to the veneration of Anubis in parts of Nubia and the Near East as well.
• Anubis Created the First Mummy
  It is a popular belief that he created the first mummy, which is rooted in myth rather than fact. However, he is credited with developing the embalming and mummification processes used in ancient Egypt. This myth symbolizes his invention and mastery of mummification, ensuring the dead’s preservation for their journey in the afterlife.

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Anubis Quotes

I hope you are enjoying our journey so far. Let’s continue with some quotes about him. Feel free to share your favorite ones in the comments so I can add them to the list as well.

Joyce Tyldesley, a renowned Egyptologist, encapsulates the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife, where Anubis plays a pivotal role in the transition of souls.

Erik Hornung, a prominent scholar of ancient Egyptian religion, describes Anubis as a guardian deity, symbolizing the bridge between the living and the dead.

Salima Ikram, an expert in Egyptian funerary practices, speaks to the deep symbolism of Anubis, representing eternal life and resurrection.

Toby Wilkinson, a noted Egyptologist, emphasizes Anubis’s role as a protector and guide for the deceased, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife.

John Romer, a historian specializing in Ancient Egypt, reflects on Anubis’s critical role in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, determining the worthiness of souls for the afterlife.

Anubis FAQ

So, Anubis has unveiled his mysteries (or at least some of them!) through captivating quotes. But before you venture to the final test of knowledge, let’s dive into a quick FAQ section. Heads up! These details might just come in handy for the upcoming quiz!

• Why was Anubis important to ancient Egypt?
  Anubis held a VIP pass in the ancient Egyptian pantheon as the god of mummification and the afterlife. He was the original embalmer, showing everyone how it’s done by taking care of Osiris. This made him super crucial in ensuring that the dead had a smooth transition to the afterlife, making sure their journey was as hiccup-free as possible.
• How did Anubis die?
  Plot twist: He didn’t actually die. In mythology, gods like him don’t clock out in the traditional sense. He’s been around, doing his godly duties without a retirement plan. The myths don’t chat about him kicking the bucket; they focus on his roles and responsibilities in the divine realm and the afterlife.
• Are Anubis and Horus brothers?
  Anubis and Horus are more like stepbrothers in the divine family tree. He is the son of Osiris and Nephthys, who had a bit of a clandestine affair, while Horus is the son of Osiris and Isis. So, while they share a dad, their direct maternal lineage puts them in the stepbrother zone.
• How did Anubis become a god?
  He was born into the job, thanks to his divine parents, Osiris and Nephthys. His godly status was part of the family business, you could say. Over time, he carved out his own niche as the go-to deity for mummification and guiding souls, proving that sometimes your calling finds you.
• Are Anubis and Osiris the same?
  Nope, they’re distinct entities with their own job descriptions. He is the jack-of-all-trades in funerary rites and mummification, while Osiris took over the gig as the king of the afterlife. Osiris’s story of death and rebirth made him a symbol of resurrection and fertility.

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Anubis Trivia

Welcome to the Ultimate Anubis Quiz! Brace yourself—failure to answer correctly might just land you a personal escort through the underworld, courtesy of him.

Conclusion

Our journey through his enigmatic world has brought us face-to-face with one of antiquity’s most fascinating figures. His role as the protector of graves and guide to the afterlife showcases the Egyptians’ profound respect for the journey beyond death.

Anubis’ enduring presence in art and literature reflects our continued fascination with the mysteries he represents. Till next time, stay curious. Cheers.