This week, I delve into the intriguing figure of the goddess Neith. My fascination with her began during my university studies, particularly when I was tasked with an assignment focused on ancient Egyptian mythology. Throughout my academic journey, I discovered a keen interest in themes related to gender, funerary practices, and mythology. Given this backdrop, it was almost inevitable that I would choose to explore Neith, as her titles include ‘Mistress of the Bows’ and ‘Ruler of the Arrows.’ The mere mention of her conjured up imagery of legendary female warriors like the Amazons and figures like Boudica.
Neith is regarded as one of the earliest deities within the ancient Egyptian pantheon, showcasing various dimensions through her mythology, iconography, and forms of worship. Her complex character reflects the richness of the tales and traditions that surround her. Despite a lack of early documented myths, Neith remains one of the most significant deities, embodying roles related to both life and death.
Iconography – From Inanimate Symbols to Divine Attributes
Often illustrated as a woman adorned in a fitted dress and donning the red crown of Lower Egypt, Neith’s appearance signifies her deep connection to her cult city, Sais. However, as an ancient deity, her early representations could have included a simple idol constructed from arrows attached to a flagpole.
Initially associated with a click beetle, her early symbol underwent transformation throughout the Early Dynastic period into the more recognizable image of crossed arrows on a shield. The click beetle, typically spotted near water, correlates with Neith’s links to the primordial waters of Nun, which preceded all creation, including the deity Mehet-Weret, known as the great flood.
With her shield and arrows, Neith solidified her identity as a warrior deity. While frequently depicted with the ‘was’ sceptre, a symbol of power, and the ‘ankh,’ symbolizing life, she is also illustrated holding a set of arrows, a bow, and occasionally, a harpoon. The depiction of her in the red crown took precedence in the 5th Dynasty, particularly at the Temple of Userkaf in Aburgurob.
Worship – The Power of Five
The multiple dimensions of Neith become even more evident as we explore her worship practices. At her focal point in Sais, Neith is recognized as the ‘Great Mother.’ Her temple, once among the most celebrated structures in ancient Egypt, has left little trace today. The lore states that after crafting the world, Neith settled in Sais, where she is believed to originate from the fertile primordial waters. This role as a creator relates directly to her accolade as ‘The Eldest Mother of the Gods,’ illuminating significant narratives during the New Kingdom.
In Roman times, she was credited with the creation of Re and the formidable chaos monster Apophis. According to some stories, Neith’s act of spitting into primordial waters birthed Apophis, who perpetually challenged the rule of the Sun god.
The Paradox of the Great Mother
Neith’s connections to creation and motherhood intertwine with her characterization as a nurturing figure. Identified as a creator of various life forms, she is seen as the maternal force behind both humanity and significant animal deities like Sobek, the crocodile god. At Esna, her title included ‘the nurse of crocodiles,’ with amulets depicting her suckling two crocodiles highlights the unique aspects of her maternal imagery.
Distinctively, Neith does not conform to the traditional narrative of goddess consorts, often observed in ancient Egyptian belief systems. This aspect positions her as a more neutral archetype, sharing similarities with other prominent deities like Anat and Athena.
Funerary Roles – Guardian of the Afterlife
From the Old Kingdom era, Neith also became synonymous with funerary customs. In Pyramid Texts, she is portrayed as a protective figure for Osiris, positioned alongside other deities such as Isis, Nephthys, and Serket. Over time, this guardianship expanded to encompass all deceased souls, with Neith recognized as the protector linked specifically to the eastern direction. As a reputed inventor of weaving, her association extended to grave bandages, highlighting her multifaceted role.
A Warrior Identity – Mistress of the Bows
Neith’s martial prowess has been a focal point in various interpretations of Egyptian mythology. Her image as a goddess wielding a bow and arrow undoubtedly sparked my initial interest in her during my undergraduate studies. Always aligned with weapons, hunting, and warfare, her titles validate her warrior identity. Notable from the Early Dynastic Period, she was referred to as “Neith Fights” and “Neith is Victorious.” By the Old Kingdom, depictions began to present her as a wise mediator between the gods and humans, representing manifestations of the divine Eye of Ra, responsible for creation and destruction.
Connections to Lower Egypt
Neith’s identity closely intertwined with Lower Egypt is visible from her depiction in the red crown. Although her worship waned over time, she regained recognition during the 26th Dynasty, when Sais became a capital city. During this resurgence, extensive efforts were made to honor and enhance the temple dedicated to Neith, which became one of the pivotal cult centers. Although remnants of her temple are scarce today, ancient texts suggest it was an awe-inspiring site, with references to great festivals and sacred rituals.
Neith’s influence traversed the entirety of ancient Egyptian civilization, continuing through to the Greco-Roman periods, where parallels were drawn between her and Athena. Her intrigue lies in her multifaceted nature—mother, creator, warrior, and protector. This complexity invites further exploration into her enduring legacy. What shall we explore next?
