Anubis: The God of Death in Egyptian Mythology

In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis, a jackal-headed god, was born from the chaos of the early universe.

 His mysterious origins continue to be a subject of fascination and intrigue throughout history.

Nephthys, Isis's sister and Set's wife, disguised herself as Isis and had an affair with Osiris, giving birth to Anubis. 

When Isis learned about Anubis's real parentage, she chose compassion over anger towards Nephthys.

 Nephthys, regretful and scared of Set's anger, joined Isis to hide baby Anubis in the marshes. 

Known for her motherly qualities, Isis raised Anubis as her own and he grew to be a loyal follower of both Isis and Osiris. 

Description: Detail from the fresco in the tomb of King Horemheb with Osiris, Anubis, and Horus. Horemheb, the last pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, restored Amon's worship after Akhenaten. | Source: Originally posted on Flickr as "La tombe de Horemheb (KV.57)." | License: Uploaded to Commons by Dorieo on August 29, 2008, licensed under the specified terms. | Author: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Anubis, born from Osiris and Nephthys, is depicted with sharp, black fur, representing the cleverness of a jackal and the seriousness of death. 

His imposing figure contrasts with the beautiful sunsets and sounds of the desert.

 His eyes, resembling bright celestial bodies, hold the mysteries of the universe and the hidden truths of the underworld.

View of a pillar from the tomb of Tausert depicting Anubis – 19th Dynasty – Valley of the Kings | Date: 30 September 2006 | Source: No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed. | Author: No machine-readable author provided. Neithsabes assumed.

Anubis, clothed in majestic attire, carried the symbol of a protector, watching over souls as they journeyed from life to the afterlife.

 His nature represented the connection between life and death, leading the departed with a firm hand through the enigmas of the beyond.

Anubis, beyond being a god, symbolizes change and transcendence, serving as a spiritual navigator across the ambiguous territories that link our earthly life to the infinite universe.

Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead, played a crucial role beyond mythological stories.

 He was responsible for leading the spirits of the deceased from the living world to the afterlife. 

His task was to guide these souls through the complex paths to the Hall of Truth, where Osiris would determine their fate.

 His role was essential and significant, far beyond a simple ritualistic duty.

Anubis, the guardian of the afterlife, played a vital role in maintaining Ma'at, the cosmic order of the universe.

 His duties were crucial in preserving the balance of existence across realms.

Artist: Hunefer | Title: Papyrus of Hunefer | Object type: Manuscript | Description: "This is an excellent example of one of the many fine vignettes from the Book of the Dead of Hunefer. The scene shows Anubis bringing Hunefer into the judgment area, with his heart being weighed against a feather. Hunefer is ultimately judged and shown before Osiris, having become 'true of voice'. The scene is a representation of the Egyptian afterlife judgment process." | Date: Circa 1275 BCE | Medium: Papyrus | Dimensions: Height: 39.8 cm, Width: 550 cm | Collection: British Museum | Accession number: EA 9901 | Place of creation: Ancient Egypt | References: British Museum Page | Source/Photographer: British Museum, Web Citation.

In the quiet moonlight of Egypt, Anubis served as a watchful protector over sacred burial sites, ensuring the peaceful journey to eternity. 

As a jackal-headed deity, Anubis attentively guarded tombs from malicious forces attempting to disturb their sanctity.

The guardian protects against grave robbers, providing comfort to the living and ensuring the safety of the departed in the afterlife.

Anubis, the guardian of death's secrets, stands as the conductor of ceremonies that connect our world with the divine.

 He oversees funeral practices and traditions, guiding souls smoothly into the Duat, the hallowed land of the deceased. 

Under Anubis' guidance, death changed from a final ending to a significant transition towards the afterlife. 

His presence influenced various meaningful rituals, creating a heavenly connection throughout the realms of being.

Image: Wall painting from the tomb of Sennedjem. Anubis attending the mummy of the deceased. Author: Self. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain.

Anubis's influence led to the creation of the sacred mummification practice, combining science and spirituality to honor the soul's journey.

 As the jackal-headed god, Anubis guided embalmers in preserving the earthly body, creating a connection between mortal life and the everlasting afterlife.

Anubis, the god of the dead, was crucial to the mummification process, a role bestowed upon him by goddess Isis. 

This role intertwined Anubis's existence with the tragic story of Isis and Osiris, where Osiris was betrayed and killed by his own brother, Set. 

The pieces of Osiris's body were dispersed throughout the land.

The goddess Isis bravely ventured into the Egyptian deserts to recover her husband's body parts.

 Anubis, the god of mummification, solemnly supervised the process, helping Osiris become the first mummy through sacred rituals.

Anubis successfully mummified Osiris despite difficulties, including hiding his location from Set, who aimed to disrupt the celestial order and cause chaos.

Anubis, Isis, Nephthys in Theban Tomb 335 (Nakhtamun), from the reign of Ramesses II. Date: 17 May 2013. Author: ShillukinUSA. Source: Own work.

Set attempted to prevent the revival of Osiris, inciting conflict with Anubis, the protector of the afterlife and defender of Isis and Osiris. 

The battle between the god of chaos, Set and the steadfast guardian, Anubis, resonated throughout the universe. 

Despite obstacles, Anubis showed unyielding courage, symbolizing the perpetual battle between life and death.

Anubis's battles with Set symbolize his dedication to protecting the afterlife. He plays a crucial role in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, guiding souls to the Hall of Truth for judgment.

 There, the soul stands before a divine tribunal to declare their adherence to the laws of Ma'at.

A section of Plate 3 from the Papyrus of Ani, a version of the Book of the Dead for the Scribe Ani, featuring Chapter 30B titled "Chapter For Not Letting Ani's Heart Create Opposition Against Him, in the Gods' Domain." Date: 14 April 2006 (original upload date). Source: Own work (assumed). Author: FinnBjo~commonswiki (assumed)

In ancient beliefs, a ritual determined the fate of souls. A soul's essence was weighed against the feather of Ma'at.

 If balanced, the soul was deemed righteous and led to eternal paradise, the Field of Reeds.

 If not, the heart was given to Ammit, the predator, which led to an eternity in the underworld. This judgment was believed to be based on earthly deeds.

In a celestial play involving godly forces, Anubis' role extended beyond the dominion of the deceased, impacting the recovering Eye of Horus.

 Damaged in a grand battle between Horus and Set, the Eye of Horus was nursed back to health under the vigilance of Anubis. 

With the aid of Thoth, the wise deity, Anubis helped to restore Horus so he could continue his claims on the throne against Set.

 Hence, the Eye of Horus transformed into a beacon of divine energy, imprinted with Anubis' enduring imprint.

In ancient Egypt, the entity of chaos, Apep, threatened to plunge the sun god, Ra, into eternal darkness.

 In response, Ra called upon all other gods, including Anubis, to help him fight against this looming chaos.

 The gods, led by Ra and including Anubis, participated in a daily battle against Apep. This ongoing struggle represented a fight between order and chaos.

Anubis, the jackal-headed deity, was revered by ancient Egyptians as a compassionate guide to the afterlife.

 His symbolic figure worked as a reassuring comfort, acting as a benevolent guardian and bridge between life and death.

 Anubis played a crucial role in Egyptian beliefs, woven into their consciousness and helping the deceased navigate the enigmatic realms beyond life.

In temples where the divine and earthly realms meet, devotees worship Anubis with deep reverence.

 Incense fills the air and priests in ceremonial attire chant prayers, inviting the deity's presence.

Stela of Siamun and Taruy worshipping Anubis. Description: Stela, Siamun and Taruy, Anubis. Date: circa 1400–1390 B.C., New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Thutmose IV. Medium: Sandstone, paint. Dimensions: 0.591m x 0.456m. Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art. Current location: Egyptian Art. Accession number: 90.6.128. Place of discovery: From Egypt. Credit line: Gift of James Douglas, 1890. Source: Met Museum.

 Offerings of food symbolize sustenance for the dead, emphasizing the connection between the living and departed. 

Anubis serves as a bridge between these realms, receiving the faithful's aspirations and prayers, echoing eternally within sacred spaces.

Ancient Egyptian rituals often honored Anubis, the god of death and funerals. Priests wearing fancy outfits performed these ceremonies that reflected cosmic order.

 People participated in these occasions to seek Anubis's guidance for the deceased and comfort in the face of death.

 The process of every death under Anubis's guidance was strictly ritualistic.

Upon a person's death, their body was prepared for the afterlife. This process included washing, anointing with oils, organ removal (excluding the heart), and being preserved using resins before being wrapped in linen bandages.

 Anubis played a crucial role in overseeing this mummification process.

The Opening of the Mouth ceremony was a significant ritual where priests symbolically reawakened a mummy's senses using specific tools. 

This ceremony was done to prepare the deceased for their journey in the afterlife.

Hunefer. Title: Papyrus of Hunefer. Object type: Manuscript. Description: An illustration from the Book of the Dead of Hunefer showing the Opening of the Mouth ritual, the mummy supported by Anubis, and other funerary scenes. Date: 1275 BC. Medium: Papyrus. Dimensions: Height 39.8 cm (15.6 in), Width 550 cm (18 ft). Collection: British Museum. Accession number: EA 9901. Place of creation: Ancient Egypt. References: British Museum.

The deceased's grave was equipped with different funeral goods such as personal items, food, and essentials for the afterlife. 

Preparations often involved invoking Anubis to guarantee the departed was prepared for their afterlife journey.

In ancient funeral rites, a procession with family and priests would carry the deceased to their grave, performing prayers and ceremonies to call on Anubis for protection. 

Anubis then escorted the souls to where their hearts were weighed against Ma’at's feather, deciding their afterlife destiny. 

The mummified body, with its grave goods, was entombed with "Book of the Dead" inscriptions to aid the soul’s passage, with Anubis’s safeguarding presence continually sought.

In the concluding stage, relatives and clergy offered prayers and tributes to respect the departed and implore Anubis for ongoing support and safeguard in the afterlife.

Anubis, the ancient Egyptian guardian with a jackal's head, has left a profound impact on history.

 He symbolizes protection for the departed and is believed to hold the secrets to the afterlife. His significance stretches across centuries, emanating a sense of exploration within and beyond life's boundaries. 

His multi-dimensional character continues to be a guiding figure for humanity.

For those who prefer visual content, you can watch the video below that covers the same topic in detail.

Anubis: The Egyptian God of Death│ Egyptian Mythology Explained│ Egyptian Mythology Stories