Anubis, one of the most iconic and enduring figures in ancient Egyptian mythology, is known as the god of the dead, funerary rites, embalming, and the protector of graves. His image is recognizable due to his striking representation as a man with the head of a jackal or, sometimes, as a fully jackal-like figure. The history, symbolism, and evolution of Anubis reflect the Egyptians’ deep connection to death and the afterlife, which played a central role in their belief system. To understand Anubis is to delve into the profound Egyptian views on death, the soul, and the afterlife.
The role of Anubis dates back to the early dynastic periods of ancient Egypt, long before the prominence of gods like Osiris or Isis. Evidence of Anubis worship is found in some of the earliest texts and tombs, suggesting that he was among the primary deities associated with the afterlife. Initially, he was regarded as the principal god overseeing the realm of the dead. His responsibilities were broad and essential; he was not just a figure of reverence but also a god who actively guided the deceased on their journey from the mortal world to the eternal afterlife.
Anubis’ association with death was not a coincidence but rather linked to the natural behavior of jackals. In ancient Egypt, the presence of wild jackals near cemeteries was a frequent and unsettling occurrence. Jackals, being scavengers, were drawn to the scent of human remains buried in shallow graves, particularly in the desert regions. The Egyptians, rather than viewing the jackals as mere nuisances, imbued them with sacred meaning. The natural behavior of jackals in the vicinity of tombs led to their connection with death, burial, and the protection of the dead. Anubis, represented with a jackal’s head, embodied this connection, transforming what could have been perceived as a threat into a divine protector of the tombs.
As Egyptian mythology evolved, particularly with the rise of Osiris as the god of the dead, Anubis’ role shifted but remained critical. Osiris became more associated with ruling the underworld, the Duat, while Anubis’ role became more focused on guiding souls and performing key rituals in the funerary process. This shift did not diminish Anubis’ importance; rather, it refined his function. He became the god who would prepare the dead for their journey and ensure their safe passage through the various stages of the afterlife, ensuring they were properly equipped to face the challenges ahead.
One of the most critical functions Anubis performed in the afterlife was the process of weighing the heart, a central element of Egyptian funerary belief. The Egyptians believed that after death, the soul would face judgment in the Hall of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice. Here, Anubis played a crucial role as the psychopomp, the guide of souls. He would lead the deceased before a set of scales where their heart would be weighed against the feather of Ma’at. The heart, in Egyptian belief, was the seat of emotion, thought, and morality. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was deemed pure and allowed to proceed to the afterlife. However, if the heart was heavier, weighed down by sin or evil deeds, it was devoured by the monstrous goddess Ammit, condemning the individual to non-existence. Anubis, therefore, was a vital mediator in this process, ensuring the fairness of the judgment and guiding the deceased through this pivotal moment.
Apart from his role in the afterlife, Anubis was also deeply associated with the process of mummification. In Egyptian culture, mummification was not just a means of preserving the body, but it was a sacred ritual necessary for ensuring the deceased’s ability to reach the afterlife. The mummified body provided a physical vessel for the soul to inhabit and journey onward. Anubis, as the god of embalming, was central to this practice. It was believed that he invented the process of mummification, which he first performed on the body of Osiris, restoring him to life after his death at the hands of Set. This act of embalming not only preserved the body of Osiris but also symbolized the resurrection and promise of life after death for all Egyptians.
The ritualistic aspects of Anubis’ role are also highlighted in his connection to the priests who conducted funerary rites. During the embalming process, priests would often wear masks of Anubis, symbolizing that they were acting on behalf of the god himself. These priests would perform the intricate rituals of purification, preservation, and protection, ensuring that the dead were prepared for the journey to the afterlife. Anubis, as the overseer of these rites, was responsible for maintaining the sacred nature of the process, ensuring that everything was done according to the divine order, and preventing any disturbances to the deceased’s eternal rest.
The mythology surrounding Anubis is rich and complex, with numerous tales that demonstrate his importance within the Egyptian pantheon. His relationship with other gods, particularly Osiris, underscores his integral role in the broader Egyptian cosmology. The myth of Osiris’ death and resurrection is perhaps one of the most significant narratives in which Anubis plays a role. According to the myth, Osiris was murdered by his brother Set, who dismembered his body and scattered the pieces across Egypt. Isis, Osiris’ wife, and her sister Nephthys gathered the pieces of his body, but it was Anubis who performed the embalming rites that restored Osiris to life, allowing him to become the ruler of the underworld. This myth not only highlights Anubis’ role as a restorer of life but also places him in a close relationship with Osiris, marking the transition of power over the dead from Anubis to Osiris.
In Egyptian art, Anubis is almost always depicted as either a man with the head of a jackal or as a full jackal. His skin is often rendered in black, a color associated with both the fertile soil of the Nile, symbolizing regeneration, and the decay of the body, linking him further to death and rebirth. The black jackal, an animal that roamed the edges of civilization, was seen as a symbol of both danger and protection, perfectly encapsulating Anubis’ dual nature as both a guide and a guardian.
Despite his strong associations with death, Anubis was not feared by the ancient Egyptians. Rather, he was revered and trusted. He was viewed as a benevolent figure who protected the dead and ensured their safe passage to the afterlife. His role was not to bring death or to judge, but to act as a guide and a protector. His presence in funerary rites brought comfort to the living, who believed that Anubis would watch over their loved ones in the afterlife and ensure that they were properly cared for.
As Egyptian religion evolved, particularly during the New Kingdom and Late Period, the prominence of Osiris as the ruler of the dead overshadowed Anubis in some respects, but he remained a significant deity. Temples and shrines dedicated to Anubis existed throughout Egypt, and his image was a common feature in tombs and funerary goods. He was often invoked in spells and prayers intended to protect the dead, emphasizing his continuing importance as a guardian figure.
Anubis’ legacy extended beyond ancient Egypt, influencing later religious and cultural ideas about death and the afterlife. His image has persisted into modern times, where he is often depicted in popular culture as a symbol of ancient Egypt’s fascination with death and the afterlife. Whether appearing in films, literature, or art, Anubis remains an enduring figure that continues to captivate the imagination.
