This week, I’ve decided to revisit the origins of this blog: Ancient Egypt! For my final two passion posts, I wish to dedicate them to my beloved region (Egypt) and my favorite deity (the identity of which will be revealed next week!). In this entry, allow me to introduce you to Sekhmet.
Key Facts about Sekhmet
- Names: Sekhmet, Sakhmet, “She Who Is Powerful,” and “Eye of Ra”
- Region: Egypt
- Goddess of: War, healing, disease, disorder, and the scorching desert sun.
Description
Sekhmet is commonly portrayed as a woman with a lioness’s head. Often featured wearing a sun disk atop her head, she may also be seen grasping the ankh, symbolizing life, or a papyrus scepter.
Origin Legend
Sekhmet is recognized as the offspring of the Sun god, Ra. According to myth, she was formed from the heat of his eye as he gazed upon Earth. In a narrative reflective of ancient gods, Ra crafted Sekhmet to punish wayward humans who strayed from his commands or failed to adhere to the principles of Ma’at (justice). There are times when she is identified as the daughter of Geb and Nut (the Earth and Sky).
Connections and Significance
Sekhmet is frequently linked with the goddess Bastet. The two deities have been known to blend into a duality reminiscent of Jekyll and Hyde, with Bastet embodying tranquility and transforming into Sekhmet when provoked, unleashing destruction. She is not to be trifled with, as Sekhmet is famed for her chaotic and destructive nature. Nevertheless, she acts as the guardian deity for healers and medical practitioners, possessing the power to heal any affliction and prevent plagues. Given her war associations, Sekhmet serves as a protector for pharaohs and guided them in battles. Notably, Ramesses II employed Sekhmet as a symbol of his battlefield prowess, while Amenhotep III commissioned numerous statues of her in Karnak. As previously mentioned, she is known as the protector of Ma’at, earning her the title “The One Who Loves Ma’at and Who Detests Evil.”
Due to her depiction with a papyrus scepter, Sekhmet has ties to Lower Egypt, specifically Northern Egypt near the Nile Delta. However, some scholars suggest her origins may trace back to Sudan, and at times, she has been linked with Upper Egypt in relation to Bastet. She stands among the oldest Egyptian deities and is closely associated with the city of Memphis (not the one in Tennessee), as well as the goddesses Hathor and Mut, alongside Ptah, her companion.
Myth of Sekhmet
One of the most famous myths features Sekhmet’s destructive spree and the subsequent intervention by Ra. After being dispatched to Earth, Sekhmet wreaked havoc and annihilated numerous humans, leading to rivers and fields running crimson with blood. Witnessing this devastation, Ra felt remorse for unleashing her. To halt her fury, he tricked her into drinking beer mixed with pomegranate juice instead of blood. Enchanted by the brew, Sekhmet drank excessively and fell into a deep slumber for three days, losing her thirst for blood, which ultimately saved humanity. This incident inspired an annual celebration where Egyptians would drink beer mixed with pomegranate juice and pay homage to Sekhmet.
