Mythical Creatures Series
An ancient goddess, existing even before the two kingdoms of Egypt united, more than 5000 years ago.
WADJET
What is it?
From Egyptian mythology, Wadjet is believed to be one of the oldest Etyptian goddesses, and said to be the patron of lower Egypt, but with the unification with the upper region, she became known as the protector of all Egypt. The image of Wadjet with the sun disk is called the uraeus, and it was the emblem on the crown of the rulers of Lower Egypt. She was also the protector of kings and of women in childbirth.
She is uraeus on the Kings forehead, ready to strike his enemies.
Wadjet was closely linked to the Egyptian pantheon Bast - a fierce goddess depicted as a lioness warrior and protector, as the sun goddess whose eye later became the eye of Horus, the eye of Ra, and as the Lady of Flame. Though she was often depicted with her sister Nekhbet (vulture goddess of the Upper region) – Wadjet as a snake, and Nekhbet as a vulture.
‘Legend has it that Wadjet was the daughter of Atum, the first god of the Universe. He created her as his eye. Her purpose was to search the Universe for his lost sons, Tefnut and Shu. Wadjet did find his sons, and Atum was so happy to see them that he cried. It is said that those tears made humans. As a reward, Atum placed Wadjet upon his head in the form of a cobra. There she would be feared and respected by all the gods and men.’ Source.
The goddess Wadjet appears in the form of the living Uraeus to anoint your head with her flames. She rises up on the left side of your head and she shines from the right side of your temples without speech; she rises up on your head during each and every hour of the day, even as she does for her father Ra, and through her the terror which you inspire in the spirits is increased … she will never leave you, are of you strikes into the souls which are made perfect.
- The Book of the Dead
Ability
Wadjet was the eye of the sun god Ra and would spit fire balls out at the King’s enemies. She also became an emblem coiled along the rim of Ra’s shield. She was an aggressive deity if provoked.
Psychical Appearance
She was depicted as a snake-headed woman or a snake, usually an Egyptian cobra.
Appearances In Popular Culture (not very much)
- The Wadjet Eye by Jill Rubalcaba
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Did you know? The name Wadjet is derived from the term for the symbol of her domain, Lower Egypt, the papyrus.
Sources:
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Marchosias, Ningyo, Abatwa, Cait Sith, Anka, Huldra, iele, Manticore, Hantu Demon, Lich, Joan The Wad, Fomorian, Rakshasa, Hellhound, Sleipnir, Three-Legged Crow, Afanc, Tarasque, Echidna, Alkonost, Landvaettir, Hippocampus, Cockatrice, Shedu,Dryad, The Erlking, Oni, Rusalka, Salamande,Gulon, Krampus,Wendigo, Banshee, Will-O’-Wisp, Draugr, Tengu, Golem
I know of a few Egyptian deities, but this one was new to me. I love the stuff I learn here
Thanks Sarah… I’m thinking I’ve been a bit slim on the Egyptian mythology… might have to change that
That’s a story I’ve never heard before! You do your research.
Glad you found something new:)
How interesting to learn the origin of that symbol and to learn more of Egypt. I love ancient culture and mythology.
Thanks…
Like Christine above, I wanted to be a female Indiana Jones, and always loved Egyptian history and mythology. This was all new information to me, thanks!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z
Love the idea of female Indian Jones… how very cool
I’ve always loved Egyptian mythology. I wanted to be an Egyptologist for years – so I could be a female Indiana Jones! – but I was never very good at math and science. Funny I see that you wanted to study it too.
We are sooo similar… I like it.
I like Egyptian art. They had a simplistic yet intriguing way of depicting things that has an elegance to it. You can see it in their architecture, in the jewelry, and in the hieroglyphs. Perhaps it is why Egypt has become synonymous with “ancient world”.
Most people I know love Egypt, so you might very well be right on that one
The metalwork is so impressive.
I know.. they were very skilled
Yes I finally knew one! My art history class paid off. I love Egyptian mythology. Will you work this one into your new novel?
I love Egyptian mythology – in high school I wanted to study Egyptology… wished I stuck to it:) I do have plans for an Egyptian myth in one of my planned stories