Editing Nehebkau

{{Hatnote|This article is about the Egyptian deity. It is not to be confused with [[Neheb]], [[Nehemiah]] or [[Nehmetawy]].}}
{{short description|Ancient Egyptian deity}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Egyptian
| member_of = the [[Assessors of Maat]]
| name = Nehebkau
| image = Nehebkau (God).png
| alt = 
| caption = Illustration of Nehebkau based on depictions in papyri
| hiero = <hiero>G21-V28-b-Z9-D28-Z2-D30</hiero> or <hiero>n-V28-G21-b-w-D28-D28-D28</hiero>
| symbol = 
| parents = [[Serket]] or [[Geb]] and [[Renenutet]]
| siblings = 
| consort = [[Nehmetawy]]
| offspring = 
| abode = [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Heliopolis]]
| festivals = 
| other_names = Nehebu-Kau
| gender = Male
| venerated_in = [[Middle Kingdom of Egypt|Middle Kingdom]] and [[New Kingdom of Egypt|New Kingdom]]
}}
{{Ancient Egyptian religion}}
'''Nehebkau'''{{pronunciation needed}} (also spelled Nehebu-Kau) was the primordial snake god in [[ancient Egyptian mythology]]. Although originally considered an evil spirit, he later functions as a funerary god associated with the [[Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs|afterlife]]. As one of the [[Assessors of Maat|forty-two assessors of Ma'at]], Nehebkau was believed to judge the deceased after death and provide their souls with [[Ancient Egyptian conception of the soul#Ka (vital essence)|ka]] – the part of the soul that distinguished the living from the dead.

Nehebkau was ultimately considered a powerful, benevolent and protective deity. In late mythology, he is described as a companion of the sun god [[Ra]] and an attendant of the deceased King. As he is so closely associated with the sun god, his name was evoked in magical spells for protection. His festival was widely celebrated throughout the [[Middle Kingdom of Egypt|Middle]] and [[New Kingdom of Egypt|New Kingdoms]].

== Name ==
Nehebkau's name – also spelled Neheb-Kau<ref name=wilkinson>{{cite book |last=Wilkinson |first=Richard H. |author-link=Richard H. Wilkinson |title=The complete gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt |publication-place=New York |date=2003 |isbn=0-500-05120-8 |oclc=51668000}}</ref> and Nhb-K3w<ref name=nageh>{{Cite journal|last=Omar Ali|first=Nageh|date=1 January 2012|title=The God Nehebkau in Heliopolis (المعبود نحب-كاو في هليوبوليس)|journal=Abgadiyat|volume=7|issue=1|pages=32–38|doi=10.1163/22138609-00701003|issn=1687-8280}}</ref> – has been translated in many ways by Egyptologists. These translations include: "that which gives Ka";<ref name=nageh/> "he who harnesses the spirits";<ref name=wilkinson/> the "overturner of doubles";<ref name=bates>{{Cite journal|last=Bates|first=Oric|author-link=Oric Bates|date=October 1919|title=The Mythology of all Races. (Louis Herbert Gray, Editor; George Foote Moore, Consulting Editor.) Vol. XII, Egyptian: W. Max Müller, Ph.D.; Indo-Chinese: SirJ. G. Scott, K.C.I.E. Marshall Jones Co.1918. Pp. xiv, 540.|journal=Harvard Theological Review|volume=12|issue=4|pages=464–469|doi=10.1017/s0017816000010956|s2cid=162234979 |issn=0017-8160|url=https://zenodo.org/record/2031530}}</ref> "collector of souls";<ref name=nageh/> "provider of goods and foods"<ref name=nageh/> and "bestower of dignities".<ref name=shorter>{{Cite journal|last=Shorter|first=Alan W.|date=September 1935|title=The God Neḥebkau|journal=The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology|volume=21|issue=1|pages=41–48 |doi=10.1177/030751333502100105|s2cid=192409512|issn=0307-5133}}</ref>

== Mythology ==
[[File:Nehebkau with a falcon-head.svg|thumb|left|Nehebkau with a falcon-head presents an [[Eye of Horus]] to [[Min (god)|Min]]. Based on depictions in various [[hypocephalus|hypocephali]].]]Nehebkau is the "original snake"<ref>{{Citation|last=Imhausen|first=Annette|title=Mathematical Texts (II): Tradition, Transmission, Development|date=2016-02-16|work=Mathematics in Ancient Egypt|publisher=Princeton University Press|doi=10.23943/princeton/9780691117133.003.0018|isbn=978-0-691-11713-3}}</ref> of Egyptian mythology, and was believed to be both an ancient and eternal god.<ref name="nageh" /> Although he is occasionally represented as a son of [[Serket]], [[Renenutet]] or [[Geb]], he is sometimes believed to have simply "emerged from the earth".<ref name="nageh" /> He was believed to have lived in the [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Great Temple of Heliopolis]], which was also the centre of worship for [[Ra|Re]] and [[Atum]].<ref name="nageh" />

Nehebkau is a considerably powerful deity, which contemporary Egyptologist and author [[Richard H. Wilkinson|Richard Wilkinson]] credits to his demonic origins and snake-like qualities.<ref name=wilkinson/> After he swallows seven cobras in a myth, Nehebkau cannot be harmed by any magic, fire or water.<ref name=wilkinson/> In an early myth, he demonstrates an ability to breathe fire.<ref name=klotz>{{Cite book|last=Klotz|first=David|title=Adoration of the Ram|date=2006-12-31|publisher=Yale Egyptology|doi=10.2307/j.ctvhrcz4s|isbn=978-1-950343-02-7}}</ref> Nehebkau first appears in the [[Pyramid Texts]],<ref name=wilkinson/> and he is described as an evil, long and winding serpent who devoured human souls in the afterlife.<ref name=bates/> In this context, he is believed to be an enemy of the sun god,<ref name=shorter/> and Re is said to have built his [[Solar deity|sun boats]] to be able to be pushed by the wind in order to escape Nehebkau's many coils.<ref name=nageh/>

Nehebkau was later honoured<ref name=bates/> among other dangerous gods as one of the 42 judges in the [[Assessors of Maat|Court of Maat]],<ref name=shorter/> judging the innocence of deceased souls.<ref name=wilkinson/> Additionally, orientalist Professor [[Wilhelm Max Müller|Wilhelm Max Muller]] describes Nehebkau to have personally guarded the gates of the [[Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs|underworld]].<ref name=bates/>

As a snake god, Nehebkau was also considered a dangerous, furious and fearsome demon.<ref name=klotz/>

In the [[Coffin Texts]], however, the ancient god [[Atum]] places his fingernail against a nerve in Nehebkau's spine, calming his chaotic and fearsome nature.<ref name=nageh/>

Throughout and following the Coffin Texts, Nehebkau is considered a benevolent and helpful deity who may be befriended by gods and men and enlisted into service.<ref name=shorter/> After this transformation, he appears as a servant and partner to the sun god Re,<ref name=nageh/> and is said to provide food and assistance to the deceased King in the afterlife.<ref name=pinch>{{Cite book|last=Pinch, Geraldine.|title=Handbook of Egyptian mythology|date=2002 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=1-57607-242-8|oclc=906990824}}</ref> In this position, he became increasingly powerful and important, eventually assuming Re's role as a King of The Sky.<ref name=nageh/>

It is in this peaceful form that he mostly appears in Egyptian mythologies,<ref name=shorter/> and he was often evoked as a protective god in religious rituals, [[amulet]]s and spells.<ref name=shorter/>

== Roles ==

=== Funerary God ===
[[File:Nehebkau - Spell-87 -Book of the Dead.jpg|thumb|Nehebkau depicted in Spell 87 of the [[Papyrus of Ani|Book of the Dead of Ani]]]]
As a funerary god and one of the forty-two judges in the [[Assessors of Maat|Court of Maat]], Nehebkau played a significant role in the [[Ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs|Ancient Egyptian perception of the afterlife]].<ref name="shorter" /> As well as guarding the underworld, he was occasionally represented as a personal guard of [[Osiris]].<ref name="bane">{{Cite encyclopedia|last=Bane, Theresa|title=encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore|date=25 April 2016|publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-9505-4|oclc=930364175}}</ref>

When a deceased spirit enters the afterlife in Ancient Egyptian mythology, the most important stage is their trial in the Court of Maat,<ref name=wilkinson/> also known as the Law-Court of [[Osiris]]<ref name=wilkinson/> or the Dead Court.<ref name=shorter/> This tribunal consisted of forty-two fearsome deities who represented all possible types of evil,<ref name=wilkinson/> and to whom the deceased had to declare their innocence.<ref name=wilkinson/>

Nehebkau had a specific role in examining the individual's purity and sinlessness, and he was specifically responsible for protecting the neck and throat of the deceased.<ref name=nageh/>

Once the deceased is justified and found innocent by the Court, Nehebkau is believed to have absolved the soul of sin<ref name=nageh/> and provided the deceased with food and drink.<ref name=nageh/> He additionally nourishes the deceased with [[Ancient Egyptian conception of the soul#Ka (vital essence)|ka – the 'life force']] of the individual - allowing their spirit to endure in the afterlife.<ref name=massiera>{{Cite journal|last=Massiera|first=Magali|date=2015|title=The So Called Statue of Nehebkau, A Comparative Study|journal=Journal of Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Arcaheology|pages=25–33|url=https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/jiia/article/download/29447/23116/87200}}</ref>

=== Attendant of Re ===
After he was subdued by [[Atum]], Nehebkau was characterised as benevolent, beautiful and peaceful.<ref name=nageh/> It is in this state that he became the servant and partner of the sun god [[Ra|Re]]. In later myths, he assists Re in his moving of the [[Solar deity|morning boat]] through the sky to the east<ref name=nageh/> and throughout the flight of the day.<ref name=nageh/> In the [[Book of the Dead|Book of The Dead]], this passage is described as making all people happy, filling hearts with "joy and justice".<ref name=nageh/>

Additionally, Nehebkau is said to have served the dead Kings in this period: providing food,<ref name=pinch/> transmitting messages<ref name=pinch/> and intervening with other deities on their behalf.<ref name=wilkinson/>

=== Successor of Re ===
Nehebkau eventually assumed [[Ra#In the underworld|Re's role in the afterlife]]:<ref name=nageh/> becoming "the King of Heaven and ruler of [[the Two Lands]]"<ref name=faulkner>{{cite book |last=Faulkner |first=Raymond O. |author-link=Raymond O. Faulkner |title=The ancient Egyptian coffin texts: spells 1-1185 & indexes (8th rev. ed.) |publisher=Aris & Phillips |publication-place=Oxford |date=8 June 2004 |orig-date=1st ed. 1978 |isbn=0-85668-754-5 |oclc=56875890}}</ref> and bestowing crowns, ka and other desirable qualities upon the spirits of the deceased.<ref name=faulkner/> He acted as a mediator between the deceased and the gods,<ref name=nageh/> and was additionally responsible for assigning the dead their positions in the afterlife.<ref name=shorter/>

== Relationship to other gods ==
[[File:Egyptian - Neheb-kau - Walters 481615 - Right.jpg|thumb|An Ancient Egyptian representation of Nehebkau, houses in the [[Walters Art Museum]] and produced in the [[Third Intermediate Period of Egypt|Third Intermediate Period]]. This representation has a human body and serpent head and tail. The knees are flexed and the hands are at the mouth.]]
Nehebkau continuously appears alongside the sun god Re, as an assistant, companion and successor.<ref name=shorter/>

As an assessor of Maat in the Court of Osiris, he was also associated with [[Osiris]] himself: the god of the dead, fertility and the afterlife.<ref name=wilkinson/> Although not all of the 42 assessors have been identified by scholars, Wilkerson considers significant deities such as the ibis [[Thoth]] and crocodile [[Sobek]] to be included in the tribunal, and these gods can therefore be considered associates of Nehebkau.<ref name=wilkinson/>

As a snake deity, he was associated with and likely modelled after the great snake [[Apep]] — the enemy of Ra and embodiment of chaos in Egyptian myth.<ref name=lucarelli>{{Cite encyclopedia|last=Lucarelli|first=Rita|title=Demons (benevolent and malevolent)|encyclopedia=UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology|volume=1|pages=1–10}}</ref>

Additionally, as a visiting god of [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Heliopolis]] and an ancient deity, Nehebkau was often associated with [[Atum]]: the creator god who calms his chaotic nature.<ref name=nageh/>

Nehebkau was represented as a consort of the minor goddess [[Nehmetawy|Nehmtaway]], who is also a known partner of the wisdom god [[Thoth]].<ref name=wilkinson/> She was depicted as a goddess holding an infant, with a distinguishing headdress shaped like a [[sistrum]] - an Ancient Egyptian musical instrument.<ref name=wilkinson/>

He sometimes appeared as a consort to the scorpion goddess [[Serket]],<ref name=shorter/> who protected the deceased King and was often evoked to cure poison and scorpion stings.<ref name=wilkinson/> Some myths also describe Nehebkau as Serket's son.<ref name=wilkinson/>

Alternatively, he was believed to be the son of the earth god [[Geb]]. This is common with Egyptian snake gods and associated with the imagery of snakes crawling across the earth.<ref name=massiera/> When Geb is represented as his father, Nehebkau's mother is considered to be the harvest goddess [[Renenutet]]:<ref name=wilkinson/> the 'good snake' who ensured bountiful fields, harvests and kitchens for the living<ref name=pinch/> and nourished the kas of the dead.<ref name=pinch/>

The image of Nehebkau also appeared on depictions of the thrones of feline goddess [[Sekhmet]] and [[Bastet]].<ref name=shorter/> Wilkerson theorises that this iconography would have likely symbolised his protection over them.<ref name=wilkinson/>

== Iconography ==
[[File:Nehebkau (snake deity) holding a wedjat eye MET LC-10 130 2440 EGDP023380.jpg|thumb|A wooden figure of Nehebkau from the [[Ptolemaic Kingdom|Ptolemaic period]] housed in the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]. He appears with a human body and snake head and tail, holding a [[Eye of Horus|Wedjat eye]] as a symbol of protection.]]
Nehebkau is most often represented in [[Art of ancient Egypt|Ancient Egyptian art]], carvings and statues<ref name="massiera" /> as an anthropomorphised snake: half human and half serpent.<ref name="kalloniatis">{{Cite book|last=Kalloniatis, Faye|title=The Egyptian collection at Norwich Castle Museum : catalogue and essays|date=25 July 2019|publisher=Oxbow Books |isbn=978-1-78925-196-8|oclc=1049277490}}</ref> He is also commonly depicted as a [[falcon]] headed snake with human arms and legs and an [[Phallus|erect penis]], depicted as such in multiple [[hypocephalus|hypocephali]].

However, early texts and mythologies usually represented Nehebkau as a full serpent<ref name=wilkinson/> with a long body and multiple coils.<ref name=pinch/> It is in this form that often appears on the sides of divine thrones, likely in reference to his protective qualities and powerful nature.<ref name=wilkinson/>

In later periods, he appeared in a semi-anthropromophised form, as a man with the head and tail of a serpent<ref name=pinch/> or a serpent with human arms or legs.<ref name=pinch/> In this form he appears on amulets, small statues and plaques,<ref name=wilkinson/> with his arms "raised to the mouth to proffer small vessels for food or drink," reflecting his function in the afterlife.<ref name=shorter/>

Nehebkau was occasionally shown as having two heads on two separate necks, and a third head on his tail supported by the figure of a man.<ref name=nageh/> Egyptologist Magali Massiera suggests that the two heads could be a representation of his dual good and evil nature,<ref name=massiera/> as well as his ability to simultaneously attack from two directions at once.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Shamahd|first=Ahmid|title=Reaffirmation of the Revelation|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|year=2013}}</ref> In one artifact from Heliopolis, he appears as an eight headed snake.<ref name=nageh/>

These detailed descriptions of his appearance were common for guardians of the underworld, and were done so Nehekbau could be recognised by the deceased.<ref name=lucarelli/> Occasionally, Nehebkau is represented with the features of other snake demons: such as multiple heads and wings.<ref name=lucarelli/>

== Worship ==
Although there was no specific priesthood associated with Nehebkau,<ref name=massiera/> scholars including Wilkinson consider it likely that he was widely worshipped in popular religion.<ref name=wilkinson/>

This worship was likely centred at his temple in [[Heracleopolis Magna|Herakleopolis]],<ref name=wilkinson/> although its exact location is rarely mentioned in sources.<ref name=massiera/> Nehebkau was also often associated with the [[Heliopolis (ancient Egypt)|Great Temple of Heliopolis]], where he may have had a funerary chapel, as well as a statue that dates back to the reign of [[Ramesses II|King Ramses II]].<ref name=nageh/>

Nehebkau was also depicted in many [[amulet]]s from the New Kingdom's [[Third Intermediate Period of Egypt|third intermediate period]] and later.<ref name=wilkinson/> These amulets were often found in [[Ancient Egyptian funerary practices|burials]], which indicates a belief that Nehebkau would protect the deceased through their journey to the underworld.<ref name=kalloniatis/> Kalloniatis also associates these amulets with Nehebkau's ability to sustain ka in spirits and nourish the deceased with food and drink in the afterlife.<ref name=kalloniatis/>

His image also appears on amulets designed to protect against poison, snake-bites and scorpion venom.<ref name=bane/>

=== Magic and Spells ===
Anti-snake spells are incredibly common in Egyptian texts, appearing in the [[Pyramid Texts]], [[Coffin Texts]] and the [[Book of the Dead]], alongside other spells designed to repel dangerous animals.<ref name=lucarelli/> Many magical objects are inscribed with scenes of benevolent deities protecting humanity from snakes.<ref name=pinch/>

After becoming associated with Ra, Nehebkau's name was often evoked in [[Ancient Egyptian religion#Magic|magical spells]] to function as a magical protector.<ref name=kalloniatis/> His image was depicted as a protective deity on some ivory wands.<ref name=shorter/>

== Festivals ==
Nehebkau's festival was recorded as occurring thirty-two times in the [[New Kingdom of Egypt|New Kingdom]],<ref name=massiera/> but is known to have been celebrated since at least the [[Middle Kingdom of Egypt|Middle Kingdom]].<ref name=wilkinson/>

The exact date of the festival is contested by scholars: it may have been celebrated nine days after the festival of ploughing the earth,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Budge|first=E. A. Wallis|author-link=E. A. Wallis Budge|title=Gods Of The Egyptians - 2 Vols|date=2013-10-28|publisher=Routledge|doi=10.4324/9780203040713|isbn=978-0-203-04071-3}}</ref> on the first day of the first month of the winter season<ref name=wilkinson/> or alternatively during the coronation of the King during the [[Ramesside period]].<ref name=nageh/>

Individuals would often celebrate this festival by eating hsjitt plants and cakes made of khersait plants.<ref>{{Citation|last=L. Kimpton|first=Jennifer|title=Festivals, Pharaonic Egypt|date=2012-10-26|encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of Ancient History|publisher=Blackwell Publishing Ltd|doi=10.1002/9781444338386.wbeah15160|isbn=978-1-4051-7935-5}}</ref> The festival is believed by researcher Sharon LaBorde to have been a feast celebrating redemption and rebirth; potentially associated with the lion goddess [[Sekhmet]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=LaBorde|first=Sharon|title=Circle of the Sun: Rites and Celebrations for Egyptian Pagans and Kemetics|publisher=Lulu Press|year=2017}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{Cite journal|last=Omar Ali|first=Nageh|title=The God Nehebkau in Heliopolis|journal=Abgadiyat|volume=7|pages=32–38|doi=10.1163/22138609-00701003 }}

{{Cite journal|last=Shorter|first=Alan W|title=The God Nehebkau|journal=Journal of Egyptian Archaeology|volume=21|pages=41–48}}

{{Cite journal|last=Massiera|first=Magali|date=2015|title=The So Called Statue of Nehebkau, A Comparative Study|journal=Journal of Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Archaeology|pages=25–33}}

{{Cite book|last=Wilkinson|first=Richard H.|author-link=Richard H. Wilkinson|title=The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt|publisher=Thames & Hudson|year=2017|location=Great Britain}}{{Ancient Egyptian religion footer|collapsed}}<br />

[[Category:Egyptian gods]]
[[Category:Underworld gods]]
[[Category:Snake gods]]
[[Category:Egyptian underworld]]
[[Category:Legendary serpents]]