This week, my exploration centers on the goddess Neith, a fascinating figure in ancient Egyptian mythology. My initial intrigue with Neith began during my university studies, where I had the opportunity to select a theme for an assignment focused on Egyptian mythology. Throughout my education, I developed a keen interest in researching themes related to gender, coffins, and mythology. Thus, it’s no wonder that Neith captured my attention as a subject. Her titles, such as “Mistress of the Bows” and “Ruler of the Arrows,” immediately conjured images of empowered women like the Amazons and Boudica.
Neith is recognized as one of the earliest deities within the ancient Egyptian pantheon, leading to a multifaceted mythology, iconography, and system of worship that is quite extensive. Her character is intricate, resembling the depth of the myths surrounding her, and despite the absence of early narratives, she stands as one of the most formidable figures whose influence permeates realms of life and death.
Iconography – From Beetle to Crown
In art, Neith is typically portrayed as a woman adorned in a fitted dress and donning the red crown of Lower Egypt, symbolizing her close ties to the region, particularly Sais, which served as her cult center. Given her ancient origins, it may be that she was originally represented as an inanimate object resembling a flagpole to which arrows were affixed.
During the Early Dynastic period, her emblem may have shifted towards a click beetle, a creature often found near water, suggesting a connection to Neith’s association with the world’s inception from the primordial waters of Nun and the creation deity, Mehet-Weret. A gold beetle adorned with Neith’s symbols was discovered in a First Dynasty burial at Nag el-Deir, reinforcing this association. Some scholars speculate that the shape of the click beetle could explain the emergence of shield imagery in her iconography, even though traditional depictions of Egyptian archers typically do not show shields.
The iconic warrior aspect of Neith is established with the introduction of shields and arrows. While she frequently carries the ‘was’ scepter, symbolizing power, and the ‘ankh,’ signifying life, her identity as the mistress of bows comes to fruition alongside the addition of weaponry such as arrows and a harpoon. The documentation of her in the red crown of Lower Egypt particularly stems from the Fifth Dynasty, observed at the Temple of Userkaf in Aburgurob.
Worship – The Power of Creation
Neith’s diverse character is evident in her worship and iconography, and each element opens further avenues for exploration.
Revered at her temple in Sais, she was often addressed as the “Great Mother.” This temple stands as a relic of ancient Egyptian grandeur, though little of it survives today. It is believed that after bringing about creation, Neith relocated north to Sais. In her role as a creator, she is credited with bringing forth Ra, the sun god, before the concept of childbirth even existed. Moreover, during the New Kingdom period, she is described as “The eldest mother of the gods, who illuminated the first face,” affirming her role in humanity’s creation. In Roman times, Neith was also said to have given rise to Re and his nemesis, Apophis, with tales describing how she spat into the waters, which birthed this chaos monster, further highlighting her creative prowess.
Neith – A Unique Maternal Archetype
Neith’s link to motherhood emanates through her creation narratives, positioning her as an archetypical mother. She is identified not only as the creator of humankind but also described as the mother of crocodiles, including the crocodile god Sobek. The site of Esna attributes to her the title of “nurse of crocodiles,” with amulets portraying her suckling two crocodiles — an image both bold and peculiar for ancient iconography.
What differentiates Neith from other goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon is her apparent lack of a consistent male counterpart. This positions her as a more neutral deity, similar to figures like Anat or Athena, who embody both war and love yet stand independently.
Funerary Role – Guardian of the Dead
From the Old Kingdom era, Neith was associated with funerary rites. In the Pyramid Texts, she is noted as a protector of Osiris’s body, sharing this role with Isis, Nephthys, and Serket, consequently extending her guardianship to all departed souls. Each of these goddesses held a designated position in relation to the coffins and the canopic jars that encapsulated the organs, with Neith specifically tasked with overseeing the stomach’s protector, Duamutef. Neith was often depicted with outstretched arms on sarcophagi, symbolizing her safeguarding presence. Additionally, her connection to weaving linked her to mummy bandages and shrouds, a connection further emphasized by suggesting that one of her associated hieroglyphs could represent a weaving shuttle.
Warrior Identity – Mistress of the Bows
While the portrayal of Neith as a warrior goddess may have been exaggerated in older studies, her connection to weaponry and warfare is a significant aspect of her identity. Titles such as “Mistress of the Bows” and “Ruler of Arrows” cement her status as a formidable warrior, which dates back to the Early Dynastic Period. During this time, myths describe her as one who engages in battle and emerges victorious. By the Old Kingdom, Neith is characterized as a wise mediator among gods and humanity, intertwined with the fierce manifestations of the Eye of Ra—a divine protector whose fiery gaze could foster life or destruction.
The Goddess of Lower Egypt
Neith is often shown wearing the red crown of Lower Egypt, highlighting her essential connection to the region. Although her worship experienced fluctuations, her influence remained profound throughout Egypt’s history, especially during the 26th Dynasty when Sais was revitalized as a central hub of her adoration. Kings of this era made notable efforts to refurbish her temple, considered one of the most significant places of worship, where festivals and rituals flourished around a sacred lake. Renowned historians, such as Herodotus, recount the vibrancy of festivals held for Neith, with lights illuminating the night sky.
Spanning the length of ancient Egyptian civilization, Neith’s worship transitioned gracefully to the Greco-Roman period, where her presence became associated with Athena. Her multifaceted nature—as a mother, creator, warrior, and protector—contributes to her lasting allure. What aspects should be unearthed next in future topics?
