HATHOR

Biography of Hathor

Hathor is one of the oldest and most revered goddesses in Egyptian mythology. She is often depicted as a woman with a sun disk between cow horns, or as a cow. Hathor was a complex goddess with many aspects and roles.

Origin and image

1. Names: Hathor means "House of Horus".

2. Appearance: She is often depicted as a woman with a sun disk between cow horns, or sometimes completely as a cow. She can also hold a sistrum (a musical instrument).

Roles and responsibilities

1. Goddess of Love and Motherhood: Hathor was revered as the goddess of love, beauty, music, dance, and fertility. She was a patron saint of women, mothers and children.

2. Protector of the Dead: Hathor played a role in guiding the dead to the afterlife and was often depicted in tombs and burial chambers.

3. Goddess of Music and Dance: Hathor was also the goddess of music, dance, and festivities. She was often depicted with a sistrum, a musical instrument used in her rituals.

4. Nourisher: She was considered a nourishing goddess who gave sustenance to kings and all mankind.

Interesting for Believers

Believers of Hathor performed various rituals and practices to honor and worship this beloved goddess. Here are some activities that were of interest to her followers:

1. Temples and Sanctuaries: Hathor had many temples in Egypt, with the most important one in Dendera. Believers visited these temples to honor her and make offerings.

2. Amulets and Figurines: Believers wore amulets and figurines of Hathor to receive her blessings and protection. These objects were often made in the shape of Hathor with cow horns and a sun disk.

3. Prayer and Sacrifices: Believers brought offerings of food, drink, and flowers to the temples of Hathor and prayed for her blessings in love, fertility, and health.

4. Holidays and Festivals: During certain holidays and festivals, ceremonies and processions were held in honor of Hathor. These events offered believers the chance to show their devotion and respect for the goddess. One of the well-known festivals was the "Feast of Hathor" in Dendera, which was accompanied by music, dance and festivities.

5. Music and Dance: Music and dance played a central role in the worship of Hathor. Believers used the sistrum and other musical instruments in their rituals to honor the goddess and ask for her favor.

6. Connection to the Dead: Hathor was often associated with the protection of the dead. Believers believed that she helped the souls of the deceased to travel safely to the afterlife. Her images were often found in tombs and burial chambers.

HATHOR