This week, I decided to delve back into the rich history of Ancient Egypt, the theme of this blog! With my final two entries, I’ll explore my favorite region (Egypt) along with my favorite deity (hint revealed next week!). In this post, I would like to introduce you to the formidable Sekhmet.
Names:
Sekhmet, Sakhmet, often referred to as “She Who is Powerful” or the “Eye of Ra.”
Region:
Egypt
Goddess of:
Sekhmet embodies the realms of war, healing, disease, chaos, and the intense heat of the desert sun.
Appearance:
Sekhmet is typically portrayed as a woman with the head of a lioness. She is frequently shown wearing a sun disk atop her head and is sometimes depicted with the ankh, symbolizing life, or wielding a papyrus scepter.
Origin Story:
As per myth, Sekhmet is the offspring of Ra, the Sun-god, who birthed her from the fire of his eye while observing humanity. In a traditional narrative, Ra created her to punish those who defied him or failed to adhere to the principles of Ma’at (justice). In various accounts, she is described as the daughter of Geb and Nut, who symbolize the Earth and the Sky.
Associations and Additional Insights:
Sekhmet is closely linked to the goddess Bastet, with both deities sometimes represented in a duality where Bastet embodies serenity, while Sekhmet emerges as the fierce aggressor when provoked. Sekhmet is known for her destructive nature and capacity to unleash chaos. Nonetheless, she also serves as a guardian for healers, as she possesses the ability to cure ailments and ward off epidemics. In her martial aspect, Sekhmet is a protector of pharaohs, guiding them in battles. Notably, Ramesses II depicted her as a symbol of his military might, while Amenhotep III commissioned numerous statues of her at Karnak. She is celebrated as the protector of Ma’at, earning her the moniker “The One Who Loves Ma’at and Who Detests Evil.”
Sekhmet is often linked with the papyrus scepter, which connects her to Lower Egypt, situated in the northern region near the Nile Delta. However, some scholars propose that her origins may trace back to Sudan, and in certain contexts, she has been associated with Upper Egypt, particularly in contrast to Bastet. Recognized as one of the earliest Egyptian deities, Sekhmet is tied to the city of Memphis (in Egypt, not Tennessee) and shares connections with goddesses such as Hathor and Mut, alongside Ptah, her companion.
One of the most captivating myths surrounding Sekhmet narrates her furious rampage and how Ra intervened to cease her violence against humanity. When Sekhmet was dispatched to Earth, she wrought devastation upon mankind, saturating the land with blood. Disturbed by the slaughter, Ra called upon her to relent, but Sekhmet did not heed his plea. To control her wrath, Ra devised a cunning plan, lacing beer with pomegranate juice, deceiving her into thinking she was consuming blood. She indulged in the drink to the point of lethargy, sleeping for three days and thereby losing her thirst for violence, ultimately saving humanity. This event inspired an annual celebration during which Egyptians would blend beer with pomegranate juice and honor Sekhmet.
