From the dawn of Egypt’s First Dynasty, which dates back to approximately 3200 BCE, the great goddess Mafdet held a revered position in the pantheon. Known as “the runner,” she personified swift justice and was especially significant as the “Avenger of the King.” It was commonly believed that Mafdet would extract the hearts of wrongdoers and present them at the Pharaoh’s feet, akin to how a cat offers its catch to its masters. This powerful deity was also known as the Great Fetterer, residing in the Mansion of Life, and represented the essence of legal authority.
Mafdet boasted various titles, including “Lady of the House of Life,” “Slayer of Serpents,” and simply “the Great Cat.” Although details about her worship are limited compared to the more prominent feline deities like Bastet and Sekhmet, it appears that both may have absorbed some of her roles over time. Nevertheless, evidence of Mafdet’s significance remains potent among the pharaohs, as her likeness appears on royal artifacts and within the resting places of mummified rulers.
Mafdet’s Role in the Pyramid Texts
Numerous Pyramid Text Spells illustrate Mafdet’s confrontations with menacing snakes from the underworld. She is closely linked to the “House of Life” (Per Ankh) and the “Mansion of Life,” the latter possibly indicating the royal palace. The spells suggest that Mafdet, often depicted as a cheetah or other felines, was kept within the royal residence to serve as a guardian and to hunt venomous snakes threatening the royal family. For instance, one utterance describes Mafdet springing toward a snake’s neck, while others depict her striking an adversary or utilizing her claws against those who threaten her domain.
The adversarial serpents featured in the Pyramid Texts later evolve into figures like Apophis in the Book of the Dead, showcasing Mafdet’s triumph over these menaces. She was regarded as a protector of the sun god Re (Ra), using her sharp teeth to dispatch his foes, including serpents and scorpions. A poignant quote captures her defense of Re against a snake emerging from the earth: “He will cut off your head with this knife which is in the hand of Mafdet who dwells in the Mansion of Life.”
Cheetahs in the Royal Household
In the mortuary temples of the Theban Necropolis, cheetahs are often portrayed with collars and leashes, suggesting their integral role within the royal household. Despite their prowess as hunters, cheetahs were not seen as threats to humans and were known for their fierce protective nature, especially when raised from cubs. This protective instinct led to the belief that guardian cheetahs would escort the spirits of pharaohs to the afterlife upon their death. The distinctive spotted fur of these sacred animals may have evoked celestial imagery among the people of ancient Egypt.
