Anubis— Egyptian God"Lord of the Sacred Land"

Lord of the Sacred Land

Anubis is one of the most iconic gods of ancient Egypt, instantly recognizable by his sleek black jackal head. He presides over the mysteries of death, guiding souls through the dangerous journey to the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians associated jackals with death because they were often seen prowling around cemeteries and the edges of the desert where the dead were buried.

Guardian of the Necropolis

As "He Who is Upon His Mountain," Anubis was the guardian of burial grounds and tombs. He protected the dead from desecration and watched over the mummification process. Priests performing mummification rituals would wear jackal masks to embody Anubis, invoking his protection for the deceased. His black color represented the rich Nile soil and the discoloration of mummified bodies—both symbols of regeneration.

The First Mummy

According to myth, Anubis invented mummification when he embalmed the body of Osiris after Set murdered and dismembered him. Working with Isis and Nephthys, Anubis wrapped Osiris in linen bandages, creating the first mummy and enabling Osiris to rule the underworld. This act established the prototype for all Egyptian funerary practices.

The Weighing of the Heart

In the Hall of Two Truths, Anubis performs his most crucial duty: the weighing of the heart. He places the deceased's heart on a scale against the feather of Ma'at, goddess of truth and justice. If the heart is lighter than the feather—proving the person lived a good life—they may proceed to paradise. If heavier, the heart is devoured by Ammit, the monster who waits beside the scale, and the soul is destroyed forever.

Son of Osiris or Nephthys

Anubis's parentage varies in different myths. Sometimes he is the son of Ra or Set, but most commonly he is the child of Osiris and Nephthys, born from a secret affair. When Osiris died, Anubis became his loyal assistant in the underworld, ceding the kingship of the dead to his father while retaining his roles as guide and embalmer.

Anubis Today

Of all Egyptian deities, Anubis remains among the most recognized worldwide. His striking image appears in museums, movies, and modern media. He represents humanity's eternal fascination with death and the hope that someone—something—waits to guide us safely to whatever lies beyond.