Mafdet facts for kids

Mafdet was an important goddess in early Ancient Egyptian mythology. She was known for protecting people from dangerous creatures like snakes and scorpions. Mafdet was often shown as a feline (like a cat or lion) or a mongoose. She was one of the earliest goddesses worshipped in Ancient Egypt.

Protector Against Danger

Mafdet was seen as a fierce protector. The ancient Egyptians believed she could guard them from venomous animals like snakes and scorpions. These creatures were a real threat in their daily lives, so a goddess who could protect against them was very important.

Mafdet and Justice

Beyond just protection, Mafdet also had a role in justice and punishment. She was sometimes linked to executions and making sure justice was served. She was thought to punish those who broke the law or harmed the pharaoh. This shows her as a powerful and serious goddess.

How Mafdet Looked

In ancient Egyptian art, Mafdet was shown in a few different ways:

• As a full feline animal, perhaps a cheetah or a domestic cat.
• As a woman with the head of a feline.
• Sometimes, she was even shown as a feline with the head of a woman.

She was also sometimes linked to a tool used for executions, which looked like a pole with a blade. This further emphasized her role in justice and punishment.

Mafdet's Early History

Mafdet was worshipped even before many of the more famous Egyptian gods and goddesses. Her worship dates back to the First Dynasty (around 3100 to 2890 BCE). This makes her one of the oldest known deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Her importance shows how much the early Egyptians valued protection and order.

Images for kids

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  Mafdet symbol on a sceptre