Is Anubis a Wolf?

Many people wonder if Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god, is depicted as a wolf. While often referred to as "jackal-headed," the animal associated with Anubis is actually closer to a wolf than a jackal. Recent studies have shown that the Egyptian jackal, which inspired Anubis' image, is genetically a member of the wolf family. This discovery sheds new light on the iconic appearance of this revered deity, blending the mystery of ancient Egyptian mythology with modern zoological understanding.

1. Who is the God Anubis?

Anubis is the Egyptian name for a canine-headed god associated with mummification and the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. As a psychopomp deity, Anubis guides and accompanies the deceased to their new destiny in the world beyond. 🏜️⚰️

In ancient Greek, Anubis is known as Inpu (also spelled Anupu or Ienpw). The earliest mention of Anubis appears in the Old Kingdom's pyramid texts, where he's linked to the burial of kings. Initially the most important god of the dead, Anubis was later superseded by Osiris during the Middle Kingdom.

Anubis holds various titles related to his funerary role:

• "He who is on his mountain" - emphasizing his role as protector of the dead and their tombs
• "He who is at the place of embalming" - associating him with the mummification process

2. The Divine Lineage: Parents of Anubis

Anubis' family tree is intertwined with some of the most prominent deities in Egyptian mythology:

• Father: Osiris (god of the underworld)
• Mother: Nephthys (sister and wife of Set)

The tale of Anubis' conception is a dramatic one. One night, Nephthys and Isis deceived Osiris. Nephthys, who had always harbored feelings for Osiris despite being married to Set, managed to trick Osiris into sleeping with her by impersonating her twin sister, Isis. This union resulted in the birth of Anubis.

In some traditions, Anubis is said to have a daughter named Kebechet. Following the merger of the Ennead and Ogdoad belief systems, Anubis' role in the pantheon shifted. He became a lesser god in the underworld, giving way to the rising popularity of Osiris. However, Anubis retained his place in the divine family and his crucial role in the mummification process.

3. The Multifaceted Role of Anubis

Like many ancient Egyptian deities, Anubis took on various roles depending on the context. His presence was so significant that no public procession in Egypt would be conducted without an Anubis figure leading the way. 🐕‍🦺🏛️

A) Lord of the Necropolises

Anubis was the divine protector of the dead, guiding souls to the afterlife. Typically depicted as a half-human, half-canine figure or as a full canine, he wore a ribbon and held a flail. The canine aspect of Anubis was closely associated with Egyptian cemeteries, as these animals were known to scavenge near burial sites.

Anubis' iconic black coloration symbolized:

• The color of decaying flesh
• The fertile black soil of the Nile Valley
• The concept of rebirth

B) Patron of Embalmers

In the myth of Osiris and Isis, Anubis received Osiris' organs as a gift upon his death. This event established Anubis as the patron god of embalmers. During mummification rituals, priests often wore jackal masks, embodying Anubis' role in the process.

C) God of Embalming

Anubis played a crucial role in funerary contexts, often depicted tending to mummies or guarding tombs. He ensured proper burial practices and sustained the deceased with spiritual nourishment. The chief embalmer in mummification rituals would don an Anubis costume, highlighting the god's significance in this sacred process.

D) Judge of the Dead

One of Anubis' most crucial roles was in the weighing of the heart ceremony, as depicted in the Book of the Dead. This ritual determined whether a soul was worthy to enter the afterlife. Anubis would measure the deceased's heart against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. ⚖️❤️

E) Guardian of the Underworld

In earlier mythology, particularly in the Ogdoad system, Anubis was the primary god of the underworld. He was sometimes paired with a female counterpart, Anput, who was essentially his feminine aspect. Other mythological accounts mention Nehebka and Kebechet as potential wives of Anubis.

4. Anubis in Modern Culture: "The Anubis Gates" by Tim Powers

The enduring fascination with Anubis extends into modern literature. "The Anubis Gates" by Tim Powers is a prime example, blending historical fiction, fantasy, and time travel. This novel, which won the 1983 Philip K. Dick Award for best original science fiction paperback, weaves a complex narrative involving:

• Literary history
• Lycanthropy
• The Knights Templar
• A cast of unique characters

The book stands as one of the most innovative and memorable time travel stories ever published, demonstrating the lasting impact of Egyptian mythology on contemporary imagination. 📚🐺

For more mythological content, check out our article on werewolves and lycanthropy.