Imagine a powerful lion goddess, arms raised, brandishing arrows and throwing lightning bolts: that's Sekhmet, one of the most fascinating deities of ancient Egypt. Revered for her ruthless fury and formidable strength, she played an essential role in battles and in safeguarding the pharaohs. In this article, we delve into the world of this fascinating divinity to discover how she was the eternal protector of Egypt's rulers.

Introduction

The origin and symbolism of Sekhmet

The mythical birth of Sekhmet

At the heart of Egyptian cosmogony lies Sekhmet, daughter of the solar god Ra. She is believed to have been born out of her father's anger at the disobedience of human beings. In a divine frenzy, she was charged with eradicating mankind, a myth that reveals her power and place as a heavenly avenger.

Symbolism and attributes of Sekhmet

The lioness Sekhmet is from then on a figure of authority and terror, as respected as she is feared. Her image fuses royal splendor with the warrior dimension, revealing a duality at the very heart of her being: healer for those she protects, destroyer for her adversaries.

Sekhmet, the warrior: Her role in war and destruction

Sekhmet and military campaigns

On battlefields, prayers were sent up to Sekhmet. The pharaohs implored her for an invisible shield against the setbacks of war, guaranteeing their troops divine, unshakeable protection.

#### Sekhmet, dispenser of plagues and diseases

Outside of battle, Sekhmet lost none of her strength. Her breath could cause as much harm as it could cure, evoking the two sides of the same coin: life and death.

Worship and rituals to appease her wrath

To avoid the goddess' wrath, huge festivals were organized in her honor. The Festival of Inebriety is a striking example, where collective drunkenness was used to pay homage to her power and potentially calm her destructive rage.

Sekhmet, a divine protector of the pharaoh

The divine protection of royal power

The link between Sekhmet and the monarchs was not only spiritual. She stood by their side, accompanying them in their earthly reign and their offering protection against curses and threats.

The pharaoh, son and protector of the gods

In art, Sekhmet is often depicted at the side of pharaohs offering an aura of security. Rituals and official ceremonies never failed to recall this divine protection afforded to the rulers of ancient Egypt .

Sekhmet and other protective deities

The relationship between Sekhmet, Bastet and Hathor

In the great Egyptian pantheon, Sekhmet shares similarities and differences with other goddesses such as Bastet the protector and Hathor the lover. Each embodies different aspects of feminine strength.

Sekhmet in the Egyptian pantheon

Although sharing certain attributes with other warrior gods such as Horus and Montou, Sekhmet stands out for her unfailing link with the pharaoh and her contribution to maintaining the cosmic order, Ma'at.

Conclusion

Sekhmet is a complex and captivating figure, with an ambivalence that makes her unique. A fierce protector of rulers, she perfectly embodies the fusion of destructive power and protective benevolence , a deity revered throughout Egyptian history .

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