🐉 Creatures & Beings

Sacred Creatures of Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian mythology features numerous sacred creatures, from the protective sphinx to the chaos serpent Apep. These beings embodied cosmic forces, protected sacred spaces, and served the gods.

Notable Creatures

• The Sphinx: Guardian creature with lion body and human head, protector of sacred sites
• Ammit: "Devourer of the Dead" - hybrid creature with crocodile, lion, and hippo parts who consumes hearts that fail judgment
• Apep (Apophis): Chaos serpent who attacks Ra's barque nightly - see Apep deity page
• Bennu Bird: Phoenix-like heron associated with creation, rebirth, and the sun
• Mehen: Protective serpent who coils around Ra during his journey through the underworld
• Serpopards: Long-necked feline-serpent hybrids depicted in early dynastic art

Sacred Animals

Many animals were considered sacred manifestations of deities:

• Cats: Sacred to Bastet, protected homes from evil
• Crocodiles: Sacred to Sobek, kept in temple pools
• Ibises: Sacred to Thoth, mummified by thousands
• Jackals: Sacred to Anubis, guardians of cemeteries
• Scarab Beetles: Represented Khepri, the morning sun, symbols of transformation