Composite creature. Common symbol for the Egyptian culture

Composite Creatures
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Composite Creatures
A series of figures have been depicted in Egyptian art that represent creatures that do not exist in nature. These imaginary creatures have become the subject of debate due to their intermediate positions between their portrayal as anthropomorphic creatures, or simply signs. The depiction of these figures in Egyptian art has led many to believe that they are a figurative representation of the natural world that the Egyptians lived in at the time. Although it is difficult to ascertain such assumptions, it is true to some degree that the composite creatures were a symbolic part of the Egyptian culture. This essay seeks to analyze three symbolic composite creatures and discuss their importance in Egyptian culture.
Ammit


Figure  SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1 Ammit (Oldest.org)
Ammit was an ancient Egyptian goddess who personified divine retribution. The goddess had the head of a crocodile, the torso of a wild cat, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus (Land of Pyramids). These animals were regarded as the most ferocious and terrifying creatures on earth. For instance, crocodiles in the Nile were a real danger to Egyptians and were highly feared (Furstenburg). The combination of crocodiles and lions was, therefore, more likely to instill fear among Egyptians because of their dangerous encounters with the animals. The image was symbolic since she was the personification of everything that the Egyptians were afraid of. Moreover, the demonic goddess was believed to attend the judgments of the Egyptian’s souls in the underworld. Other deities were responsible for judging the souls, and those who were considered sinful were devoured by Ammit. The demonic goddess was therefore associated with death (Land of Pyramids). Ammit’s image was believed to ward off evil as well. According to Egyptian culture, the judgment of the dead took place in two distinct forms. The first being, a continuous process whereby the individual’s soul would be judged in a court much similar to that in real life. The second, however, was more terrifying for the souls of the dead would be judged by deities, and the verdict would have tragic consequences. Pure souls were regarded as transfigured spirits, while those who were found wanting were sentenced to a second death and were fed to Ammit. The portrayal of Ammit as the devourer of souls instilled fear among most Egyptians. Despite the deity’s portrayal as a goddess, Ammit was highly associated with a demon of the underworld. For this reason, the ancient Egyptians did not worship Ammit as they did other gods. Her role in the execution was horrifying since she devoured both the physical manifestation of the soul, which wandered in heaven after death, as well as the life force of the soul, which were both important in producing the divine spark of life. Aside from the horrifying portrayal of the deity, Egyptians also used the symbol of the owl in her name to signify her association with death.
Sphinx


Figure  SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2 The Sphinx (Farrell)
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue that dates back 4,500 years ago. The statue is made of limestone and measures 66 meters high and 73 meters long (Houghton). Aside from being one of the oldest and most significant monuments in history, the Sphinx is also considered to be among the most recognizable relics in ancient Egypt. The sphinx is a composite creature that combines the body of a lion with the head of a human. In ancient Egypt, it was the custom for Pharaohs to have their heads carved on top of a lion’s body to symbolize their unification with the powerful goddess, Sekhmet, who was the daughter of the sun god Ra. The combination of the Pharaoh’s head and the lion’s body was also a representation of the pharaoh’s power as a super being equal to the gods. This indicated that the Pharaoh had divine powers that were similar to those of the deities worshipped by the Egyptians. The sphinx was also a solar symbol that was associated with the lord of the two horizons, Harmakhis, who symbolized the rising and falling of the sun (Houghton).
However, the head of the sphinx varies to represent various deities. In ancient Egypt, the creature was mainly associated with security. The Sphinx was considered to be a spiritual guardian, and as a result, the figures were mainly included in temples and tombs. The sphinx also symbolized entrance into a new age. According to researchers, when building the great pyramid, Egyptians included a passageway at the lower part of the Sphinx. Both the Sphinx and the pyramid were therefore tied together to form a ritualistic whole. The Sphinx rose above the entrance of the gateway to the pyramid to symbolize the path of initiation. To access the passage, Egyptians believed that the Sphinx would ask a riddle, and upon giving a correct answer, the Egyptians would be allowed to pass, failure to which, the sphinx would devour the Egyptian (Houghton). Such seekers were regarded as neophytes, a...