The texts in the pyramids of the Old Kingdom associate Anubis with the funerals of the pharaohs. He shared the Kingdom of the Dead with Osiris, another God in the Egyptian pantheon. He is "the one who is above the mountains" and "the one who controls the embalming," epithets that confirm his importance as a guardian of death and a master of mummification. Like other deities in ancient Egypt, Anubis has been associated with various roles over time. In public processions, he seeks to lead people.
Anubis: Ancient Egyptian god of death
Anubis is proclaimed a god who protects the dead and guides them to the side of life after death. He is depicted as a half-jackal, half-man, and sometimes with a hammer in his hands. Drawing him as a jackal is associated with the animals that inhabit cemeteries in ancient Egypt. Jackals often dug up human remains, which also gave this image of Anubis.
Almost everywhere it is associated with black, depicting the black soil of the fertile Nile Valley. This image symbolized rebirth and life after death. He was often shown at mummification or at the top of a tomb. During the time of the pharaohs, he wore a special costume. He was also considered the god of the underworld, and in this form he was depicted as a woman - Anput - with her daughter, Kibechet. As the god of the underworld, he was considered the son of Osiris and Neftis.
It was Osiris who appointed Anubis the protector of the dead. He is called "the one who controls the funeral rituals." According to mythology, Anubis was raised by Isis because Seth, Neftis's brother, wanted to kill an illegitimate son. Thus, as the son of Isis, Anubis grew up as a follower of Osiris. His Sister-snake or ostrich, the carrier of water-Kebechet or Kebehut, is considered the goddess of purification. In this role, she waited along with Anubis during the mummification to strengthen her body from rapid decay.
Anubis is considered:
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- Owner of the scales of justice
- Master Amit, who prayed for evil souls
- Master of the cult center Sinopolis
- Heavenly god
- Guide and protector of souls
- God of graves
- Keeper of secrets
Anubis and Ra
Ra, the Sun God, is usually depicted as a falcon or as a person wearing the crown of the pharaoh or the sun disc of a wadget.
Ra is revered as Capri, the boy of the sunrise; like a falcon-headed man at noon; or like Atum Sr. at sunset. The ancient Egyptians believed that Ra allowed Osiris to rule in his place. However, once the sister of Osiris managed to force Atum Ra to share her power, revealing her real name. Thus, he lost power, and Isis made sure that Anubis and Osiris gained it. Since then, the eye of Anubis has symbolized this new power. Today, prayers to Anubis can still be seen in ancient Egyptian temples.