Nephthys

Nepthys

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Isis and Nepthys as kites by the bier

Ankh-Wennefer 02

Detail, Stela of Seba, scribe of the treasury of god Ptah. c. 1250 BCE. From Memphis, Egypt. Neues Museum, Berlin

Nephthys is an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with mourning, the night, and service. She is a member of the Ennead of Heliopolis, a group of nine deities in Egyptian mythology. Nephthys is often depicted as a woman with the hieroglyphic symbols of her name on her head, which can be translated to "Lady of the House."

Mythology

Nephthys is the daughter of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut. She is the sister of Isis, Osiris, and Set. In Egyptian mythology, Nephthys is often portrayed as a protective deity who assists her sister Isis in the resurrection of Osiris. She is also the mother of Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, although his father is sometimes identified as Osiris or Set.

Role and Symbolism

Nephthys is primarily associated with the aspects of death and mourning. She is considered a protective goddess who guards the deceased and assists in their journey to the afterlife. Nephthys is also linked to the night and darkness, complementing her sister Isis, who is associated with the day and light.

Worship and Cult

Nephthys was worshipped throughout ancient Egypt, although she did not have as many dedicated temples as some other deities. Her worship was often closely linked with that of Isis and Osiris. Nephthys was invoked during funerary rites and was believed to provide comfort and protection to the dead.

Iconography

In Egyptian art, Nephthys is typically depicted as a woman wearing a headdress that includes the hieroglyphs for her name. She is often shown in scenes of mourning, standing at the head or foot of a sarcophagus, or alongside her sister Isis.

Related Pages

• Isis
• Osiris
• Set (deity)
• Anubis
• Ennead
• Geb
• Nut (goddess)
• Egyptian mythology