Egyptian Bestiary of Creatures and Monsters

Egyptian Bestiary of Creatures and Monsters

Creatures from Egyptian mythology are especially valued for their uniqueness and strangeness. Many of these mythical beings have no counterparts in other cultures and are quite distinct in both appearance and abilities.

A striking example is the creature known as *Ammit*. Its name literally translates as "Devourer of the Dead"—and it lived up to this role. Ammit served as the executioner during the judgment of the dead by Osiris, who weighed the deceased's heart against a feather. If the heart was heavier, indicating sinfulness, the soul was condemned and fed to Ammit. The creature had a terrifying appearance, with the body of a lion or dog and the head of a crocodile. Its long, slender snout might seem slightly amusing at first glance, but every Egyptian knew just how dangerous these animals truly were.

Then there’s a creature everyone knows—the *Sphinx*. It symbolizes wisdom, power, and the divine authority of the pharaohs. Typically depicted with a lion’s body and a human head, the Sphinx was a protector figure. However, few are aware that there were other types of sphinxes as well—one with a ram’s head and another with a falcon’s. Pharaohs held these creatures in the highest regard and believed they offered protection in the afterlife, which is why many sphinx statues were built near royal tombs.

We will explore these beings in more detail in future articles. There are many of them, and each deserves careful attention so that no fascinating detail is overlooked.