Taweret is a fascinating deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, depicted as having the body of a hippopotamus, lion’s legs, and a crocodile’s face. This striking combination gives her an intriguing appearance that blurs the line between fearsome and maternal, embodying qualities that make her seem like the ultimate cosmic companion. Her round, approachable form might lead one to think she is just a gentle goddess, but beneath this charming exterior lies the embodiment of strength and protection. In ancient Egypt, each of the animals attributed to her was revered for its ferocity, particularly when they were defending their offspring.
Currently featured in the exhibition “Egypt’s Sunken Cities” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the statue of Taweret stands elevated on a series of pedestals, allowing viewers to connect with her presence closely. One can easily envision her standing guard in the lush reed beds along the banks of the Nile, ever-vigilant against any threats. Taweret was a widespread figure of worship among everyday people in ancient Egypt, lacking a significant state cult or dedicated temples, yet she was adored by many. Her likeness adorned various amulets, small statues, or utensils in almost every household, particularly those with young children or expectant mothers. Magical rituals involving her were common—such as drawing protective circles in the sand around women in labor or sleeping infants using tools crafted from hippo ivory, signifying her importance in childbirth and child-rearing.
Taweret’s significance is further highlighted in the central myth of ancient Egyptian religion. After the assassination and dismemberment of Osiris, the rightful king of Egypt, by his brother Seth, Taweret played a crucial role in protecting Osiris’ son, Horus. When Seth plotted to murder Horus as part of their ongoing power struggle, Taweret intervened, preventing Horus’ demise by subduing Seth, allowing Horus to eventually triumph. This allegorical tale emphasizes her dominion over fertility and the sanctity of life—asserting that creation is a force to be cherished over destruction.
Interestingly, Taweret was not the sole hippo goddess in ancient Egypt; other deities such as Ipet, Reret, and Hedjet similarly represented aspects of protection and fertility. The multitude of hippo goddesses indicates the high regard Egyptians held for hippos: they symbolized both admiration and fear—a duality that ultimately contributed to their downfall.
For the pharaohs, known for their unyielding determination to demonstrate authority, the hunting of hippos became a regal spectacle. Capturing these formidable creatures affirmed their dominance over nature and their rule. Pharaohs eagerly engaged in the dangerous sport of hippo hunting, entering the Nile’s marshlands equipped with harpoons, and chanced the lethal challenge of overcoming such powerful beasts.
Alas, the mighty hippopotamus is now extinct in Egypt, a consequence of overhunting, as well as agricultural expansion, industrialization, and climatic shifts that have significantly altered the landscape over millennia. Likewise, Egypt’s lions, which once populated the region, have also vanished. Of the 37 large mammal species that inhabited ancient Egypt, only a fraction now endure. As for Taweret, she is left with the crocodile as her only living counterpart.
While Taweret was a protective figure for countless individuals, including the offspring of Egypt’s divine leaders, the humans could not shield her from the dire consequences of their actions—and the eventual loss of the creatures with which she was intimately connected.
Pictured: Installation view of “Statue of Taweret,” 664–610 BCE, graywacke, Luxor, Late period, Dynasty 26, in the reign of Psamtik I, Egyptian Museum, Cairo CG 39145, exhibited in “Egypt’s Sunken Cities” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
