Anubis: Guardian of the Underworld and Protector of the Mummified Dead in Ancient Egypt
nubis is the Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife, as well as the patron god of lost and miserable souls. Anubis is one of Egypt's oldest gods, and he was descended from the much older jackal god Woebot, so people often confuse the two. Egypt Day Tours and Egypt Travel Guides often highlight Anubis due to his prominent role in Egyptian mythology, where he is depicted in royal tombs from the first Egyptian dynasty (3150-2890 BC). However, it's believed a cult worshipped Anubis even before this period, praying to him on tomb walls for protection.
Anubis is thought to have emerged in response to wild dogs and jackals digging up graves, around Egypt's pre-dynastic period (6000-3150 BC), when Egyptians believed in a powerful dog-like deity to protect them from wild animals. Anubis was depicted as a black dog or a cross between a dog and a jackal with pointed ears, or as a muscular man with a jackal's head. The color black symbolized decay and renewalᅳideas connected with the Nile Valley's fertile soil. This symbolism is explored in Egypt Travel Packages and Egypt Shore Excursions, revealing how ancient Egyptians saw Anubis as the protector of the dead, who ensured the deceased's rights in burial and helped them on their journey to the afterlife.
Anubis held the title “First of the Westerners” before Osiris emerged during the Middle Kingdom (2040-1782 BCE) as “King of the Dead.” Anubis was associated with eternal justice and continued this role even after Osiris replaced him as the primary god of the dead. Originally considered the son of Ra and Hest, he was later seen as the son of Osiris and Naftis, Osiris's sister-in-law. Anubis was the first god depicted on tomb walls, dedicated to protecting the dead. He's often shown overseeing embalming rituals or standing next to Osiris, Thoth, or other gods during the weighing of the heart in the Hall of Truth.
In famous images, Anubis is seen as a jackal-headed man holding golden scales to weigh the soul's heart against the feather of truth. His daughter Kabhet brings cold water to the souls of the dead in the Hall of Truth, offering comfort to the recently deceased. His ties with Naftis, known as the friend of the dead, emphasize his role as a protector and guide in the afterlife.
The name Anubis derives from the Egyptian Anpu or Inpu, meaning rotting, symbolizing his association with death. Known also as “Lord of the Sacred Land,” he protected the desert Necropolis, “He who is on his sacred mountain,” watching over burial sites, and “Ruler of the Nine Strangers,” a title referring to Egypt's enemies. As “the dog that swallows millions,” Anubis was revered as the god of death, “master of secrets,” knowing what lies beyond death, and “the most important in the divine chamber,” for his presence during embalming and burial.
Judging from his attributes and titles illustrating his role (as a protector who judges and guides the soul), Anubis was a vital figure in death. Researcher Gera Ledeen Pinch states, “Anubis helped to judge the dead, and heᅳand his army of messengersᅳwere tasked with punishing those who desecrated tombs or insulted the gods.” Anubis's influence extended to those who fostered chaos.
During the First Dynasty (3150-2613) and the Old Kingdom (2613-2181), Anubis was the sole master of the dead and judge of souls. However, as Osiris's popularity rose, he assumed many of Anubis's attributes. Anubis's origin and history were eventually revised, making him the son of Osiris and Naftis, products of their love affair. In this story, Naftis (wife of Set) was attracted to Set's brother Osiris, transformed into Isis (Osiris's wife), and conceived Anubis. Afraid of Set's anger, Naftis abandoned Anubis, whom Isis later found and adopted. Set discovered the affair, leading him to kill Osiris.
Once integrated into the Osiris myth, Anubis became Osiris's protector, guarding his corpse, supervising mummification, and helping Osiris judge the dead. Amulets and tomb paintings reveal how people invoked Anubis for protection and even revenge, with some casting curses in his name as defense against curses cast by others.
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