Role of Wepset in the Ancient Egyptian Religion

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant-Lecturer, Tourism-Guidance Department, Faculty of Arts, Ain-Shams University

Abstract

            This research aims to throw light on the goddess Wepset and her role in the ancient Egyptian religion. This is by tracing her name, iconography, origin and her presence in the Egyptian mythology. The researcher followed the presence of this goddess in the different ancient mythologies, namely, the Eye of Re and the Distant One. Then the researches passes by the role of Wepset in the books of the afterlife, particularly, the Imy-Dwat, the Book of Caverns, and the Book of Earth and in the different manuscripts concerned with the idea of punishing the evil ones, especially Apophis. The name of the goddess comes from the verb wps which means to burn. This is convenient to her role as a burning and fire-spitting goddess. The main task for the Distant Goddess is to defend her father, Re, against all enemies. This defense is reflected in the destruction by fire / flame the enemies in general (sbyw, xftyw, XAkw-ibw), or more particularly Apophis. In the New Kingdom guides to the afterlife, Wepset prepares the way for the resurrection of Re-Osiris by destroying his enemies. Wepset and her partner Nesret appear on the books of the afterlife and burning all enemies of Re and Osiris.