Taweret

To the Egyptians, Hippopotami were associated with the protective goddess Taweret who was associated with childbirth, pregnancy, and motherhood.

The Egyptians saw hippos as a fearsome creature who protected their young from predators, with the ferociousness of the hippo encapsulating protective love. Therefore, the nature of the hippo became a symbol of guardianship during pregnancies, childhood and motherhood in general, as well as inspiring folklore in the region.

The legendary tale Manetho documented of Egyptian king Menes being killed by a hippo during a hunting spree seemed to be a popular story told during Manethos’ lifetime. For now, it is believed to be just a myth, but it showcases how the hippo, among other predatory animals the Egyptians knew of, inspired the imagination. Despite the hippos known dangerousness, their violence was recognized by the Egyptians as a protective act, giving the mother goddess, protector of children, Taweret, a hippos’ likeness.

Despite the admiration for the hippos passion for her offsprings safety, the Egyptians respected the nature and wildness of the hippo. So much so that when funerary figures of hippos would be placed in some tombs, such as the famous faïence hippo at the Met Museum, as Egyptians truly believed in the spirit realm, these figures would often have their legs broken off before being placed in the tomb, in fear of the hippo’s spiritual reanimation leaning into it’s ferocious predator role in the Afterlife and harming the deceased.

In the picture below we see the faïence hippo known today as “William”, and if you look closely, you will notice the legs are a modern addition.

Taweret’s Favour

The worship of Taweret can be traced back to at least the Old Kingdom period, c. 2686-2181 B.C. However, her cult gained more prominence during the New Kingdom, c. 1550–1069 B.C., when household deities like Taweret became increasingly important due to the rise of personal piety. At this time, many of the Egyptians saw an increase in personal religious practice, where individuals sought protection and assistance from deities for personal matters. Taweret, as a protective deity associated with childbirth, pregnancy, and family, resonated with the populace seeking divine favour for these personal concerns.
This is evidenced by her images being found on household objects and amulets even from the reign of Akhenaten (c. 1352–1336 B.C.) during the Amarna Period, indicating her significant role in daily life despite the apparent monotheistic Aten worship at that time.

The Worship of Taweret

While less is known about specific festivals dedicated to Taweret, she likely played a role in broader celebrations related to fertility, childbirth, or protection of the household. Her worship might have been part of larger religious ceremonies where multiple deities were honoured.

One of the most common ways to honour Taweret was through the use of amulets or small figurines made of faïence, clay, or other materials. These were often placed in homes, especially in bedrooms or birthing chambers, to protect pregnant women and newborns from harm. These amulets sometimes depicted her standing on a plinth, emphasizing her protective stance.

Many homes would have small shrines or niches where images or statues of Taweret could be placed. These would often be accompanied by offerings like food, drink, or incense, especially during festivals or significant life events like childbirth. Offerings to Taweret could include food, beer, or incense, which were standard in Egyptian religious practice. These were meant not only to honour the goddess but also to ensure her continued protection and favour.

Magical wands or rods, often made from hippopotamus ivory, were inscribed with images of Taweret along with other protective deities. These wands were used in rituals to ward off evil spirits, particularly during childbirth, by drawing protective symbols in the air or on the ground.

There were specific spells and incantations from the magical texts like the “Coffin Texts” or “Magical Papyri” that invoked Taweret’s protection. These spells might be recited during childbirth or when a child was in danger, calling upon her to safeguard the mother and child.

Her protective nature was symbolically represented in daily life; for instance, her image could be found on cosmetic containers or magic knives used to protect against evil.

This worship was not centralized in grand temples but was more personal and domestic, reflecting her role as a guardian of the hearth and family. Her presence was felt in the intimate spaces where life’s most vulnerable moments occurred, making her an integral part of everyday Egyptian religious life.