What God is Anubis?

Anubis is an ancient Egyptian god primarily associated with mummification and the afterlife. He played a crucial role in funerary rites and the journey of souls into the underworld.

The Role of Anubis in Egyptian Mythology

Anubis was a prominent deity in the ancient Egyptian pantheon, recognized for his distinctive appearance as an anthropomorphized jackal or a man with the head of a jackal. His importance stemmed from his dominion over the processes that ensured the deceased's safe passage to the afterlife.

Key Responsibilities and Aspects

Anubis oversaw several vital aspects of death and the transition into the spiritual realm. His responsibilities included:

• God of Mummification: Anubis was central to the embalming process, ensuring that bodies were preserved correctly for eternity. This role was vital as the Egyptians believed the body needed to remain intact for the spirit (Ba and Ka) to exist in the afterlife.
• Guide of the Dead: He acted as a psychopomp, guiding the souls of the deceased through the treacherous paths of the Duat (underworld) to the Hall of Two Truths.
• Weigher of Hearts: In the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony, Anubis was depicted supervising the scales, where the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma'at (goddess of truth and justice). A heart lighter than the feather meant the deceased was worthy of entry into the afterlife, while a heavy heart would be devoured by Ammit.
• Protector of Tombs: Anubis was also responsible for defending against chaos and punishing those who violated tombs or committed sacrilege against the dead. His jackal form was fitting for this role, as jackals were often seen near cemeteries in ancient Egypt.

For more information on Anubis and his significance in ancient Egypt, you can explore resources like the World History Encyclopedia.