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Wepwawet originally was seen as a wolf deity, thus the Greek name of Lycopolis,
meaning city of wolves, and it is likely the case that Wepwawet was originally just
a symbol of the pharaoh, seeking to associate with wolf-like attributes, that later
became deified as a mascot to accompany the pharaoh. Likewise, Wepwawet was said to
accompany the pharaoh on hunts, in which capacity he was titled (one with) sharp
arrow more powerful than the gods alone.
Ivory label depicting the pharaoh Den, found at his tomb in Abydos, circa 3000 BC.
Originally attached to a pair of royal sandals, which is depicted on the reverse.
The side shown here depicts the pharaoh striking down an Asiatic tribesman along
with the inscription The first occasion of smiting the East. Wepwawet is at the
upper right.
Over time, the connection to war, and thus to death, led to Wepwawet also being
seen as one who opened the ways to, and through, Duat, for the spirits of the dead.
Through this, and the similarity of the jackal to the wolf, Wepwawet became
associated with Anubis, a deity that was worshiped in Asyut, eventually being
considered his son. Seen as a jackal, he also was said to be Set's son.
Consequently, Wepwawet often is confused with Anubis.[2] This deity appears in the
Temple of Seti I at Abydos.[2]
Animal origin[edit]
The Egyptian jackal (Canis aureus lupaster) also known as the African wolf or wolf
jackal is currently listed as a subspecies of the golden jackal but molecular and
osteological data has established that it is a unique species in its own right. It
is native to Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia, though its post-Pleistocene range once
encompassed the Palestine region.
Its closest relatives are the Abyssinian wolf, also known as the red wolf and the
king jackal, and the Indian wolf. The dogs of ancient Egypt were likely
domesticated subspecies of one or more of these enigmatic species.
References[edit]
Jump up ^ Pat Remler, Egyptian Mythology A to Z A Young Readers Companion, Facts on
File Inc., 2000. p. 170 Note Remler's reference only states that Wepwawet's name
means 'Opener of the ways'.
^ Jump up to a b c d e Remler, p.170
External links[edit]
Media related to Wepwawet at Wikimedia Commons
[show] v t e
Ancient Egyptian religion
Categories Death godsEgyptian godsHellenistic Egyptian deitiesWar godsUnderworld
godsAnimal godsMythological canines
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This page was last edited on 22 May 2017, at 1245.
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