Hathor: Goddess of Joy, Love, and the Gentle Guide to the Afterlife
In the earliest part of the Ancient Egyptian era, Hathor was connected to the sky. She was sometimes imagined as a celestial cow, with her body stretching across the heavens. She is said to have carried the sun between her horns.
As Egyptian religion developed though, Hathor went on to become more closely associated with love, joy, music, and motherhood. She seemed present in everyday life, she was in the celebrations, in the songs, and in the connections between people. I imagine that many would have turned to her, perhaps during weddings, births, or when they wanted to feel joy again after a particular hardship.
In some stories, she took on a far more dangerous form. When the people turned against the gods, she was the one sent to punish them, she became fierce and destructive. It ahows us that even within people or figures of love and care, there can be anger and strength. Perhaps the ancient Egyptians understood that these emotions were not separate, and that both feelings were not independent of one and other.
Over time, Hathor also became linked to the afterlife. As the Egyptian belief system shifted to focus more on death. She was believed to welcome the dead into the next world, offering them comfort and guidance.
Do you think kindness and strength together made gods more comforting?
Image info:
Collection: Louvre Museum
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