34 Facts About Anubis

Who is Anubis?

Anubis, one of the most iconic gods in ancient Egyptian mythology, has fascinated people for centuries. Known for his jackal-headed form, Anubis played crucial roles in funerary rites, embalming, and the underworld. Let's explore some intriguing facts about this ancient deity.

1. Name and Origins
   Anubis is the Greek name for the ancient Egyptian god originally known as Anpu or Inpu. The name Anubis was adopted during the Hellenistic period.

2. Role in Funerary Rites
   Anubis was the god of funerary rites, protector of graves, and guide to the underworld. He ensured that the dead were properly prepared for the afterlife through mummification and embalming.

3. Association with Osiris
   In many myths, Anubis is associated with Osiris, the god of life and death. This connection highlights Anubis's role in guiding souls through the underworld, which Osiris ruled.

Anubis's Family and Depictions

Anubis's family background and his unique depictions add depth to his character. Understanding these aspects can provide more insight into his significance in Egyptian mythology.

4. Mother and Family
   Anubis's mother was the goddess Nephthys, who was married to her brother Seth. In a more prevalent myth, Nephthys seduced Osiris, resulting in Anubis's conception. Isis, Osiris's wife, raised Anubis after Nephthys abandoned him.

5. Depiction
   Anubis is often depicted as a man with the head of a jackal or dog. Sometimes, one side of his face is white or golden, and the other black, symbolizing his dual roles in both celestial and underworld realms.

6. Titles and Epithets
   Anubis held numerous titles and epithets, reflecting his multifaceted roles. These included "He Who is Upon His Mountain," "Lord of the Sacred Land," "Foremost of the Westerners," and "He Who is in the Place of Embalming."

Protector and Guide

Anubis's roles as a protector of tombs and a guide through the underworld were vital in ancient Egyptian culture. These roles ensured the safety and proper passage of souls.

7. Protector of Tombs
   Anubis was a protector of graves and cemeteries, ensuring they were safe from looters and grave robbers. This role made him an essential figure in funerary practices.

8. Role in Mummification
   Anubis was the god of embalming and mummification. He guided the spirits of the dead through the process, ensuring their bodies were properly preserved for the afterlife.

9. Weighing of the Heart
   One of Anubis's most significant roles was in the weighing of the heart ceremony. Anubis placed the deceased's heart on a scale opposite the feather of truth. If the heart was lighter, the soul could proceed to eternal life; if heavier, it would be devoured by the monster Ammit.

Worship and Influence

Anubis's worship extended beyond Egypt, influencing Greek and Roman cultures. His symbolism and roles were adapted and revered in various ways.

10. Assistance by Wepwawet
    Anubis was assisted by another dog-headed god, Wepwawet. Wepwawet was often depicted as a helper and guide for the dead, sharing similar functions with Anubis.

11. Worship and Cult Centers
    Anubis was heavily worshipped in ancient Egypt, with his cult center located at Cynopolis in Upper Egypt. Memorials and statues of Anubis were built throughout the nation, reflecting his universal reverence.

12. Greek Influence
    During the Hellenistic period, the Greeks linked Anubis to their god Hermes, creating the composite deity Hermanubis. This association further solidified Anubis's role as a guide to the afterlife.

13. Roman Worship
    The Romans also worshipped Anubis, often incorporating him into their pantheon. A votive to Anubis was found in Rome, and Latin writers Plutarch and Apuleius mentioned him in their works.

Symbolism and Mythology

Anubis's symbolism and mythological accounts provide a deeper understanding of his significance and the beliefs surrounding him.

14. Symbolism of the Jackal
    The jackal was chosen as Anubis's symbol for several reasons. It was a nocturnal animal that fed on carrion, which may have led to its deification to prevent it from devouring the bodies of the dead. Additionally, the jackal's homing instincts made it an ideal guide through the underworld.

15. Mythological Accounts
    In mythological accounts, Anubis was often depicted as a benevolent god who guided souls through the underworld. He was present during the weighing of the dead person’s soul and was also at home in the heavenly sky realms of Re.

16. Relationships with Other Gods
    Anubis's relationships with other gods were complex. He was sometimes considered the son of Seth, but in the more prevalent myth, he was the son of Osiris. His wife, Anput, was often depicted as his female aspect.

17. Daughter Kebechet
    Anubis had a daughter named Kebechet, who was associated with the purification of body organs during mummification. She was often depicted as a goddess with the head of a dog or snake.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Anubis's historical significance and enduring legacy highlight his importance in ancient Egyptian culture and beyond.

18. Early Worship
    The worship of Anubis was very ancient, dating back to the predynastic period. He was the local deity of Abydos and was also worshipped at Lycopolis, Abt, and other cities.

19. Artistic Depictions
    Anubis appeared in numerous artistic depictions throughout ancient Egyptian history. He was often shown in statues, paintings, and wall art, and his image was also used in charms and figurines.

20. Followers and Rituals
    Anubis had male priests who wore wood masks with the god's likeness during rituals. His cult was widespread, with memorials built everywhere in Egypt to honor him. Despite his association with death, Anubis gave people hope for a respectful afterlife.

21. Historical Significance
    Anubis's significance extends beyond his mythological roles. He represents the cultural and spiritual practices of ancient Egypt, which were deeply intertwined with their burial customs and beliefs about the afterlife.

22. Greek and Roman Views
    The Greeks and Romans viewed Anubis as a bizarre and primitive god, often mocking him as the "Barker." However, they also incorporated him into their pantheon, reflecting the complex cultural exchange between ancient civilizations.

23. Incorporation into Later Cultures
    Anubis's influence extended into later cultures. In alchemical and hermetical literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Hermanubis (the composite deity) appeared, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Anubis in Western esoteric traditions.

24. Early Christian Criticism
    Anubis was also criticized by early Christians, who saw him as a symbol of primitive and pagan beliefs. Tertullian used Anubis to mount a polemic against what he saw as the barbaric nature of Egyptian religious practices.

Archaeological Evidence and Symbolism

Archaeological findings and the symbolism associated with Anubis provide tangible evidence of his worship and significance.

25. Archaeological Evidence
    Archaeological evidence supports the widespread worship of Anubis. Statues, stelae, and other artifacts featuring Anubis have been found in various locations across Egypt, including the Valley of the Kings and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

26. Symbolism of Colors
    Anubis was associated with the color black, which symbolized death and the underworld. This color also represented his role in guiding souls through the dark realms of the afterlife.

27. Funerary Practices
    Anubis's association with funerary practices underscores the importance of mummification and embalming in ancient Egyptian culture. These practices ensured that the dead were properly prepared for the afterlife, with Anubis overseeing the entire process.

28. Judgment of Souls
    During the weighing of the heart ceremony, Anubis played a crucial role in judging the souls of the dead. If the heart was lighter than the feather of truth, the soul could proceed to eternal life; otherwise, it would be devoured by Ammit.

Assistance by Other Gods and Cultural Impact

Anubis's interactions with other gods and his cultural impact highlight his central role in ancient Egyptian beliefs.

29. Assistance by Other Gods
    While Anubis was the primary guide through the underworld, other gods like Osiris and Isis also played significant roles in guiding souls. However, Anubis's unique role as the god of embalming and mummification set him apart.

30. Historical Timeline
    Anubis's worship dates back to the predynastic period, with his cult center established in Upper Egypt. His influence extended into the Hellenistic period, where he was linked to Hermes, and later into Roman times.

31. Cultural Impact
    Anubis's cultural impact extends beyond ancient Egypt. His association with Hermes and the concept of guiding souls to the afterlife influenced Western esoteric traditions and continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts today.

32. Architectural Depictions
    Anubis was depicted in various architectural contexts, including tombs and temples. His image appeared in frescoes, statues, and other artworks, reflecting his central role in funerary and religious practices.

33. Symbolism of the Feather
    The feather of truth, often associated with Anubis, symbolized justice and morality. It was used in the weighing of the heart ceremony to determine whether the deceased was worthy of eternal life.

34. Enduring Legacy
    Anubis's enduring legacy can be seen in his continued influence on Western esoteric traditions and his role as a symbol of hope and protection in ancient Egyptian culture. Despite the passage of time, Anubis remains one of the most fascinating and revered deities in human history.

Anubis: A Timeless Guardian of the Afterlife

Anubis, with his jackal-headed form, stands as a symbol of ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. His roles in funerary rites, mummification, and the weighing of the heart ceremony highlight his importance in ensuring a safe passage for souls. Associated with Osiris and revered by both Greeks and Romans, Anubis's influence extended beyond Egypt. His image, often depicted in tombs and temples, underscores his role as a protector of graves and guide to the underworld. The enduring legacy of Anubis can be seen in Western esoteric traditions and his continued fascination among scholars and enthusiasts. Despite the passage of millennia, Anubis remains a powerful figure, embodying the ancient Egyptians' deep respect for the journey to the afterlife. His story is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of one of history's most intriguing civilizations.