Unveiling the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt’s Lord of the Afterlife, Anubis

The Significance of Anubis: God of the Dead and the Old Kingdom’s Underworld

Anubis was known for weighing one’s soul against a feather to determine the fate of the deceased in the afterlife.

People in ancient Egypt constantly theorized about what happened to the souls of the dead in the afterlife, with most of the afterlife theories revolving around a soul’s journey through the underworld or Duat. Ancient Egyptians believed this odyssey was filled with obstacles and challenges, so many prayed to Anubis, god of the underworld, for protection and guidance along the way.

The Origins of Anubis

Anubis is one of the most important gods in the Egyptian pantheon – not just for his service to mankind but also for his long tenure as a pillar of the religion from its earliest inception. His origins likely predate his artistic renderings, which made their initial appearance on royal tomb walls during the First Dynasty (3150-2890 B.C.E.). However, Anubis’ concept is thought to have stemmed from an earlier deity known as Wepwawet.

Roles of Anubis in Egyptian Mythology

Anubis was respected as the god of the dead and the primary guide into the unknown. He played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian death rituals, and his black canine face was believed to be the first thing seen by the deceased in the afterlife.

1. Guiding Souls to the Afterlife: Anubis was tasked with protecting the tombs of the deceased and ensuring that their belongings arrived safely in the next world. As protector of the souls of the dead, he helped new souls come to terms with their new situation through rituals such as the “opening of the mouth” ceremony.

2. Supervising Mummification Rituals: Anubis was deeply associated with funeral rites in ancient Egypt. His primary focus on the deceased led to his role as “he who is in the place of embalming.” Believers held faith that he would ensure priests followed the steps and spells found in the Book of the Dead.

3. Weighing Hearts to Determine Fates: Anubis performed one of the most prestigious duties for the Egyptians – the weighing of the heart in the Hall of Truth. In this “final judgment” ceremony, he placed a human heart on golden scales with a white feather of purity on the other end. If a soul passed this test, it proved they had lived a noble life and were worthy of enjoying eternal salvation in an afterlife paradise.