The Egyptian underworld is a fascinating and mysterious concept that has been studied by many throughout the years It is a place of shadows, darkness and danger, which was thought to exist beneath the surface of the earth and was the world of the dead. The underworld was filled with eerie creatures, demons and gods that could either offer protection or create fear and chaos.
The Egyptians believed that the underworld was an essential part of the journey towards their afterlife and was the ultimate resting place of the souls of the deceased. Each soul had to cross the underworld and pass through a series of tests and trials in order to reach their final destination, the Field of Reeds.
The gods of the underworld played an important role in the transition of souls to their final destination. Many gods were associated with the underworld, some were feared and some were revered. Here are five of the most interesting Egyptian gods of the underworld:
1. Anubis – Anubis was the god of mummification and embalming, making him the guardian and protector of the dead. He was usually portrayed as a man with a jackal’s head and took the role of the divine psychopomp, leading souls to the underworld and the afterlife.
2. Osiris – Osiris was the lord of the underworld, ruler of the dead and was in charge of the judgement of the souls. He was usually portrayed with a green face and holding a sceptre and flail, symbols of his authority.
3. Ammit – Ammit was the demon, also known as the Devourer of Souls, and was believed to consume the hearts of those found guilty in judgement. She had the body of a lion, the head of a crocodile and the hind quarters of a hippo.
4. Hathor – Hathor was the goddess of fertility, love and motherhood who was often portrayed in the form of a cow. She was believed to be the guardian of the deceased and lead them through the underworld.
5. Sobek – Sobek was the god of the Nile and associated with fertility, strength and protection. He was usually portrayed as a man with the head of a crocodile, and although he was not associated with the underworld, he was believed to have the power to control the waters of the underworld and bring sustenance to the dead.
These gods are just some of the many fascinating and mysterious gods associated with the underworld and the Egyptian afterlife. They all played an important role in guiding and protecting souls on their journey through the underworld and offering them protection from evil forces. Understanding the gods of the underworld sheds light on the complex and mysterious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians and provides insight into their view of the afterlife.