Bes: Egypt’s Intriguing Dwarf God Of Music, Warfare And Protector Against Snakes, Misfortune And Evil Spirits

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The name ‘Bes’ is related to the Egyptian dwarf god, a grotesque figure who protects against snakes, misfortune, and evil spirits.

The same name ‘Bes’ has also been used to refer to several deities and demons in Egypt, including Aha. Amam, Hayet, Ihty, Mefdjet, Menew, Segeb, Sobdu, and Tetetenu all share characteristics similar to those of the god Bes.

Egyptian god Bes, Dendera Temple, Egypt. Image credit: Hajor - CC BY-SA 3.0

Therefore, Bes (or Bisu) is an elusive, very complex, and not always clearly understood figure, yet he came to be one of the most popular and widespread of all Egyptian gods. However, not much is known about his rather obscure beginnings.

For instance, it is not known whether he had African or, rather, Near Eastern roots. Still, he is attested as a powerful deity in Egypt since Old Kingdom times, despite his appearance, which is unusually different from that of the Egyptians.

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See also: 

Nephthys – Egyptian Funerary Goddess Who Also Protected The Pharaohs While They Were Alive

Sun God Ra Was Venerated In Every Age Of Ancient Egypt’s Long Dynastic History

Meskhenet: Egyptian Goddess Of Household And Childbirth Who Governed Over Fate And Destiny

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