Hathor
Hathor is one of the most important and multifaceted deities in the Egyptian Mythology. Known as the goddess of love, beauty, music, dance, fertility, and motherhood, she was revered across Egypt from the Old Kingdom through to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Here are some key aspects of Hathor:
Iconography
Hathor is often depicted as a woman wearing a headdress consisting of a sun disk between two cow's horns. This reflects her association with the sky, the sun, and her protective role over the pharaoh. She can also appear as a cow or a woman with the ears or horns of a cow, symbolizing her nurturing and maternal qualities.
Attributes and Roles
- Love and Beauty: Hathor was considered the personification of joy, love, and beauty, often associated with the pleasures of life.
- Music and Dance: She was the patroness of musicians and dancers, and her festivals were known for their music and festivities.
- Childbirth and Fertility: As a goddess of motherhood, Hathor helped women in childbirth and was linked to the concept of fertility.
- Afterlife: Hathor was believed to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife, providing comfort and nourishment.
Mythology
In various myths, Hathor plays significant roles:
- She was said to be the mother or wife of Ra, the sun god, and sometimes identified with the sky goddess Nut.
- One of her more famous stories involves her transformation into the destructive lioness goddess Sekhmet to punish humanity for their ingratitude towards Ra. However, she was later pacified and transformed back into Hathor after becoming drunk on beer dyed red to resemble blood.
- She was also considered the eye of Ra, symbolizing her role in his protection and vengeance.
Cults and Worship
Hathor had several cult centers, the most prominent being at Dendera, where her temple is one of the best preserved in Egypt. Her worship involved music, dance, and offerings of food and drink. Celebrations in her honor were often joyous and included the consumption of alcohol, reflecting her aspect as the goddess of joy and merriment.
Historical Development
The worship of Hathor can be traced back to the Predynastic Period, where she was associated with the sky and the Milky Way. Over time, her roles expanded:
- During the Old Kingdom, she was closely tied to the pharaoh's divine legitimacy.
- In the New Kingdom, her influence grew, and she was syncretized with various other goddesses, reflecting the fluidity of Egyptian deities.
- By the Ptolemaic period, Hathor was identified with Greek goddesses like Aphrodite, enhancing her status as a goddess of love and beauty.
External Links
Related Topics