Sacred Jackals: The Real Animals Behind the Myth of Anubis
The ancient Egyptian god Anubis is often depicted as a black jackal or as a man with the head of a jackal, symbolizing his role as a protector of the dead and a guide to the afterlife. This connection between Anubis and jackals is not coincidental; it stems from the real-life behaviour of these animals and their presence in Egypt’s landscape. Jackals played a significant role in shaping the imagery and symbolism of one of Egypt’s most important deities.
The Jackal in Ancient Egypt
Jackals, particularly the golden jackal (Canis aureus), were commonly found in the deserts and along the Nile. These scavengers often roamed near cemeteries and burial sites, drawn by the scent of decaying matter. Their presence made them a natural association with death, and the Egyptians viewed them as both a threat to the integrity of the deceased and as a guardian against other, more malevolent forces.
Ancient Egyptians were deeply concerned with protecting their dead and ensuring a safe journey into the afterlife. The jackal’s habit of frequenting burial grounds led to its transformation from a feared scavenger into a divine protector. Over time, this imagery evolved into the god Anubis, who took on the responsibility of guiding souls to judgment and overseeing the process of mummification.
Anubis: The Divine Jackal
Anubis, known as Inpu in Egyptian, was depicted as a jackal-headed god with black fur. The colour black was not meant to reflect the natural hue of jackals but rather symbolized rebirth, fertility, and the afterlife. This association reinforced Anubis’ role in preserving the dead and ensuring their resurrection in the next world.
He was a crucial figure in Egyptian funerary practices, often depicted presiding over mummification and the Weighing of the Heart ceremony, where he helped determine a soul’s fate. Priests conducting embalming rituals even donned jackal masks to invoke the god’s protection and guidance during the process.
Jackals in Egyptian Culture and Religion
Beyond Anubis, jackals had a broader cultural significance in Egyptian society. They were sometimes domesticated, and their keen senses and adaptability made them revered animals. In some cases, temples dedicated to Anubis housed sacred jackals, which were cared for and mummified upon death.
Jackals were also linked to other deities, such as Wepwawet, another jackal-headed god who was associated with war and the opening of roads. This duality—one jackal as a protector of the dead and another as a leader in battle—demonstrates the multifaceted ways in which the Egyptians viewed these animals.
Legacy of the Jackal in Myth and Modern Symbolism
The imagery of Anubis continues to endure in modern times. His jackal-headed form has appeared in films, literature, and video games, often symbolizing mystery, the afterlife, or a connection to ancient wisdom. While real jackals no longer hold the same sacred status, their legacy remains tied to the myth of Anubis, a testament to how natural observations influenced one of the most iconic deities in Egyptian mythology.
Jackals played a fundamental role in shaping the identity of Anubis, transforming from scavengers of the dead into divine protectors. Their behaviour around burial sites likely inspired their elevation to sacred status, and their influence extended beyond just Anubis to other aspects of Egyptian religion. This connection between the natural world and mythology highlights the way ancient Egyptians interpreted their environment, merging reality with the divine to create lasting religious traditions.
Also Read: Osiris vs. Anubis: Who Truly Rules the Underworld?
—Silviya.Y
