Anubis is neither inherently good nor bad. He is a neutral deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, primarily associated with death, the afterlife, and the process of judgment. His role was not to punish or reward based on a moral stance, but to ensure the proper transition and fate of the deceased.
Understanding Anubis's Neutrality
In ancient Egyptian beliefs, Anubis's functions were crucial for the continuation of the cosmic order and the individual's journey through the afterlife. His duties were a matter of sacred procedure and cosmic balance, rather than personal morality or benevolence/malevolence.
Anubis's key associations and responsibilities include:
- God of Embalming: He was revered as the patron of embalmers, ensuring that the deceased's body was properly prepared for the afterlife. This meticulous process was essential for the soul's survival.
- Guardian of Tombs: Anubis was a protector of graves and cemeteries, safeguarding the dead from desecration.
- Guide of Souls: He guided the deceased through the underworld (Duat) to the Hall of Ma'at, where the ultimate judgment occurred.
- Overseer of the Weighing of the Heart: Perhaps his most famous role, Anubis oversaw the crucial "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony. Here, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma'at (truth and justice). Anubis ensured the scales were balanced and the judgment was fair, determining if the soul was worthy to enter the Field of Reeds or be devoured by Ammit.
His actions were always in service of the established divine order, ensuring that souls received their just due, whether that was bliss or oblivion. This functional role is why he is seen as neutral, fulfilling a necessary part of the cycle of life and death without emotional bias.
Anubis's Attributes and Roles
To further clarify his position, consider the following breakdown of his attributes:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Moral Alignment | Neutral; he does not embody good or evil. |
| Primary Domain | Death, embalming, the afterlife, tombs, and judgment of souls. |
| Key Functions | Embalming: Oversees the mummification process. Guidance: Leads the deceased through the underworld. * Judgment: Ensures fairness in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony in the Hall of Ma'at. |
| Symbolism | Often depicted as a jackal or a man with a jackal's head, symbolizing his connection to cemeteries (where jackals scavenged) and his role as a protector. |
Anubis's function was to maintain balance and facilitate the necessary transitions of the dead, a vital and respected role in Ancient Egyptian cosmology.
