Hathor is one of the most revered and iconic goddesses in Egyptian mythology. With a history that spans several millennia, her cult played a crucial role in the religious and social life of ancient Egypt. Introduced as a nurturing mother figure, she is also known as the goddess of love, beauty, music, joy, motherhood, dance and much more. Its importance is evident in many aspects of Egyptian culture, from major religious ceremonies to common artistic expressions.
Hathor: Origins and Etymology of the Name
Hathor's name means "the abode of Horus", which highlights her close connection to the falcon god Horus, one of the most important deities of ancient Egypt. In the early days of Egyptian civilization, Hathor was primarily worshiped as a celestial goddess, often depicted as a cow carrying the sun disk between her horns. Over time, she became a multi-faceted deity, encompassing a multitude of aspects of life and death.
The Multiple Roles of Hathor in Egyptian Mythology
In Egyptian mythology, Hathor assumes many roles that reflect the complexity of her character. As the goddess of joy, music and dance, she brings happiness and fulfillment to men and gods. As the goddess of love and beauty, she embodies the romantic and sensual aspects of life.
However, Hathor is not only a goddess of life and joy, she also plays a crucial role in death. She is considered one of the funerary goddesses of ancient Egypt, who welcomed the souls of the deceased into the afterlife.
Hathor, the Goddess of Love and Beauty
Hathor is often depicted as the goddess of love, beauty and femininity. She is frequently invoked in rites and incantations related to love and seduction. Additionally, as the goddess of beauty, Hathor is often associated with precious objects such as mirrors, jewelry, and cosmetics, which were used in ancient Egypt to accentuate physical beauty.
Images of Hathor in Egyptian art often reflect her connection to love and beauty. She is usually depicted as an extremely attractive woman, often with exaggeratedly feminine features to highlight her fecundity and sensuality.
Hathor and the Music
Hathor was considered the goddess of music, dance and joy in ancient Egypt. She was frequently invoked at celebrations and festivals, where music and dance played a central role. Many frescoes and reliefs represent Hathor in the guise of a dancer or with musical instruments, such as sistrums or tambourines, symbolizing her role as muse of music.
Many ancient Egyptian musical instruments were decorated with the likeness of Hathor, testifying to her strong association with music and the arts. Even today, Hathor continues to influence Egyptian music and culture, and is often cited as an inspiration in traditional Egyptian music.
The Iconographic Representation of Hathor
Hathor is often depicted in several ways in Egyptian art. She is frequently depicted as a woman wearing a crown made up of cow horns and a sun disk, or in the form of a cow. Sometimes she is depicted as a woman with the ears of a cow, or even as a lioness, emphasizing her protective side.
These different depictions highlight the many aspects of Hathor as a goddess. For example, Hathor's depiction as a cow emphasizes her role as a nurturing and maternal goddess, while her depiction as a woman with a sun-disk crown highlights her association with the sun and the sky.
Temples Dedicated to Hathor and Their Roles
Hathor was an extremely popular goddess in ancient Egypt, and many temples were dedicated to her. The Temple of Dendera is the best known of these temples and is considered one of the best preserved temples of ancient Egypt. Built during the ptolemaic period, this temple was the center of the cult of Hathor.
These temples were not only places of worship, but also centers of social and economic life. They were often the heart of cities and towns, providing space for celebrations, festivals, and business transactions.
The Priests and Priestesses of Hathor
As with most ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, Hathor had her own dedicated clergy, consisting of both priests and priestesses. The role of these people was to serve the goddess by performing rites and rituals in her honor, caring for her temples, and acting as mediators between the goddess and her people.
Celebrations and Festivals in Honor of Hathor
Hathor was honored through various festivals and celebrations, the most famous of which was the Festival of Hathor. During this festival, statues of the goddess were adorned with flowers and carried in procession to the Nile. Wine played an important role during these festivities, symbolizing the blood of Hathor in her aspect as goddess of the sky and of fertility. Music and dancing were also central to the celebrations, reflecting Hathor's role as the goddess of joy and music.
Hathor and the Other Egyptian Gods: Relationships and Interactions
Hathor's relationships with other Egyptian gods are a crucial aspect of Egyptian mythology. She is closely related to Horus, the falcon god of the sky, who is often considered her son. She is also the wife of sun god Ra and the mother of Ihy, the god of music and dance. Her relationship with Isis, another important Egyptian goddess, is more complex: sometimes they are presented as rivals, other times as complementary aspects of divine femininity.
The Cult of Hathor through Time: Influence and Evolution
The cult of Hathor went through ups and downs throughout ancient Egyptian history, reflecting the country's political and social changes. During times of stability and prosperity, Hathor was often worshiped as the goddess of love, beauty, and joy. However, during times of conflict and crisis, her role as funerary and protective goddess was often emphasized.
Hathor and the Pharaohs: A Privileged Bond
Many Egyptian pharaohs had a special devotion to Hathor, seeing her as their protector and guide. Some pharaohs, like Hatshepsut, were particularly devoted to Hathor and had lavish temples built in her honor. These close ties between Hathor and Egyptian royalty enhanced her status and influence throughout ancient Egyptian history.
Hathor in the Book of the Dead
Hathor plays a significant role in the book of the dead, a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary texts. In these texts, Hathor is often depicted welcoming the souls of the deceased into the afterlife. Her role as guide and protector of dead souls emphasizes her aspect as a goddess of death and rebirth.
His story in pictures
Egyptian deities other than Hathor