The Fascinating Tale of Anubis: Ancient Egypt’s God of Death and the Afterlife

With a jackal’s head and a human body, Anubis served as the ancient Egyptian deity overseeing death and mummification, guiding rulers in their journey beyond this life. The portrayal of Anubis — whether as a black jackal or a robust man with a jackal’s head — embodies the god’s dominion over the intricate processes of dying. Anubis played a crucial role in mummification, safeguarded the resting places of the deceased, and determined the eternal fates of souls.

It is intriguing that a culture renowned for its reverence for cats would associate death with a canine figure.

Genesis of Anubis, the Canine Deity

Scholars trace the concept of Anubis back to Ancient Egypt’s Predynastic Period (6000-3150 BC), with the earliest depictions emerging on tomb walls from the First Dynasty, marking the beginning of a united Egypt under its initial pharaohs.

Notably, the name “Anubis” is derived from Greek, while in ancient Egyptian he was called “Anpu” or “Inpu,” which are related to terms for “royal child” and “to decay.” Anubis was also referred to as “Imy-ut,” meaning “He Who is in the Place of Embalming,” and “nub-tA-djser,” translating to “lord of the sacred land.” These etymological roots highlight his divine heritage and connection to the deceased.

The image of Anubis may have been inspired by the stray dogs and jackals that often dug through freshly buried graves, thereby connecting him to the concept of death. There is also a frequent mix-up between Anubis and an earlier jackal deity, Wepwawet.

His black head symbolizes decay and the fertile soil of the Nile, and objects associated with death, such as mummification wrappings, often depict Anubis to reinforce this connection. His varied roles encompass guiding souls to the afterlife, adjudicating their fates, and guarding the deceased.

In essence, Anubis embodies the god of the dead, the patron of embalming, and the protector of lost souls.

Legends and Symbols Surrounding Anubis

Another pivotal deity, Osiris, emerged during Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty (25th century BC) and began to overshadow Anubis in the realm of the dead. Consequently, Anubis’s narrative was reformulated to position him subordinate to the now-prominent Osiris, who was married to his sister Isis, while Nephthys, another sibling, was wed to Set, the god representing chaos and war.

Nephthys, dissatisfied with Set, took the guise of her sister Isis and seduced Osiris, leading to an unexpected pregnancy. When Anubis was born, Nephthys abandoned him, fearing Set’s backlash. However, Isis discovered Anubis and took him in as her own.

Tragedy struck when Set discovered the affair, resulting in the brutal murder and dismemberment of Osiris, whose remains were discarded into the Nile. Anubis, alongside Isis and Nephthys, diligently sought out Osiris’s remains for reassembly. This preservation effort by Anubis gave birth to the technique of mummification, cementing his status as the god of embalmers.

Upon realizing that Osiris had been resurrected, Set attempted to further desecrate his rival, but it was Anubis that thwarted Set’s plans, further solidifying his importance in ancient mythology. After Osiris’s resurrection, he assumed a new role as the god of the afterlife, while Anubis became primarily recognized for mummification and protection rituals.

Anubis: Guardian of the Deceased

Following Osiris’s ascension to the role of the chief deity of the dead, Anubis’s responsibilities remained significant, especially as the overseer of mummification, a vital practice in ancient Egyptian culture.

Anubis is often depicted wearing a protective sash indicating his divine guardianship. Egyptians viewed jackals as ideal for warding off grave robbers, enhancing their belief in Anubis’s protective capabilities. Those who disrespected the deceased faced divine punishment under Anubis’s vigilance, while the just could expect his guidance to a favorable afterlife.

Anubis also possessed profound magical abilities and was the guardian of sacred knowledge. He enforced curses, and tales of his malevolence added to the legend of the curses that supposedly befell those who disturbed royal tombs.

The Heart Weighing Ceremony

One of Anubis’s essential functions was to preside over the weighing of the heart—a ceremonial process critical to a soul’s fate in the afterlife. This rite occurred after mummification and purification of the body.

In the Hall of Judgement, the deceased’s soul recited the Negative Confession, absolving themselves of wrongdoing before Anubis, Osiris, Ma’at (goddess of truth), Thoth (god of wisdom), and an assembly of 42 judges.

The heart, believed to be the seat of emotion and morality, was weighed against a white feather representing truth. If the heart was lighter than the feather, it indicated a pure soul destined for the peaceful Field of Reeds — a paradise mirroring earthly existence. Conversely, a heavier heart signified a sinful life, resulting in the soul being devoured by Ammit, the deity of retribution.

This significant ceremony found expression in various tomb murals and was vividly detailed in the ancient Book of the Dead, which illustrated the grave consequences awaiting the unworthy.

The Dog Catacombs

Anubis’s importance was underscored by numerous shrines and temples scattered across Egypt, predominantly in cemeteries as opposed to traditional places of worship.

Remarkably, many of these sacred spaces were populated by mummified dogs and other canines, including jackals and foxes, known collectively as Dog Catacombs. These catacombs housed millions of remains, emphasizing the connection between Anubis and sacred animals believed to embody his essence.

Numerous canines, often young puppies, were sacrificed shortly after birth, while older dogs received elaborate burial rites. Wealthier individuals contributed more elaborately prepared remains, hoping that Anubis would favor them in their afterlife journeys. The economic activity surrounding these catacombs was notable, with merchants selling statues of Anubis and breeders raising dogs specifically for mummification offerings.

The Mystery of Anubis Fetishes

Intriguingly, some items known as Imiut fetishes, or Anubis fetishes, are often associated with offerings to the god of the dead. Though the exact purpose of these artifacts remains uncertain, they take the form of a headless, stuffed animal skin tied to a pole, either bearing a lotus flower or other symbolic decor.

Discovered within pharaohs’ and queens’ tombs, these fetishes imply a reverence for Anubis and were likely meant as offerings, embodying the deep connection the ancient Egyptians had with Anubis, who alleviated their existential fears about the afterlife.

Anubis’s significant presence in Egyptian mythology continues to offer insights into the civilization’s beliefs and practices regarding death and the journey beyond.