Henet facts for kids

Henet is an ancient Egyptian goddess. She is mentioned in very old Egyptian writings called the Pyramid Texts, and she is closely connected with the pelican bird.

Who is Henet?

Henet was a special goddess in ancient Egypt. She is often linked to the pelican, a large bird with a big beak. Ancient Egyptians saw the pelican as a helpful and protective animal.

Henet and the Pelican

In ancient Egyptian art, pelicans often appeared in paintings on the walls of tombs. These birds were seen as symbols of protection, especially against snakes. People believed that when a pelican dipped its beak into the Nile River, it was like it was scooping up bad things, just as a fishing net catches fish. This idea was similar to how nets were used to catch bad spirits in the Egyptian afterlife.

Because ancient texts called Henet the "mother of the king," it is believed she was a goddess. This important title was only given to goddesses in religious writings.

Henet's Role in the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptians also believed Henet had special powers. In some old scrolls, she was thought to be able to predict a safe journey for a dead person into the Underworld. This meant she could help spirits reach the afterlife safely.

The pelican's open beak was also important. It was linked to the idea that a dead person's spirit could leave their tomb and go out into the sunlight. Some people thought the long, deep beak of the pelican looked like the long shaft or tunnel of a tomb. This connection showed how Henet, through the pelican, might help spirits move between the tomb and the world of the living.