The cow was a particularly important animal in ancient Egypt since it provided many of their daily requirements and was the sole source of several healthy food types. The ancient Egyptian cow goddess “Hathor” was also worshipped as a goddess of maternity, music, love, and joy because what this animal brings to people causes joy and pleasure in children that only mothers can provide.
The ancient Egyptians produced several distinct images of their beloved cow goddess Hathor as a significant divinity in ancient Egypt. Aside from her traditional depiction as a cow, the ancient Egyptian cow goddess was also depicted as a lovely woman wearing the crown of the cow’s two horns, with the sun disc resting in between them.
The ancient Egyptian cow goddess Hathor is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian deities, with representations of the earliest objects unearthed. Her husband is the Egyptian deity Horus, who is also represented in the oldest ancient Egyptian artifacts. Hathor was also shown as a lioness, a snake, and a sycamore tree, in addition to her traditional portrayals as a cow or a woman.
Goddess Hathor’s name
The goddess Hathor’s name is written in Hieroglyphic symbols as a falcon within a square! The falcon represents her spouse, the deity Horus, and the square form represents her dwelling, indicating that she is Horus’ wife.
This depiction of the concept is really accurate, and there is no better way to describe a woman than to refer to her as her husband’s home. Another explanation claims that she is Horus’s cage, where he is secured and to ensure that Horus is always there for his wife.
Hathor Goddess of Heavenly Motherhood
She symbolized the mother of ancient Egypt’s earthly representatives: the Pharaohs. This was because she was the mother or partner of both the sky god Horus and the sun god Ra, and people associated both deities with monarchy.
She was also one of many goddesses who served as Ra’s feminine counterpart, the Eye of Ra. In this role, she possessed a vindictive side that shielded him from his foes. Her benevolent aspect represented music, dancing, joy, love, sexuality, and maternal care. She was the spouse of various male deities and the mother of their sons.
The goddess’s two characteristics embodied the Egyptian notion of womanhood. Hathor roamed between worlds, helping the dead’s souls on their way to the afterlife.
As a result, every ancient Egyptian temple includes a particular chapel devoted to the goddess Hathor as a mother, and her portraits there indicate that she is everyone’s mother.
Ancient Egyptian Cow Goddess Hathor ” The Lady of Drunkenness”
Ancient Egyptian texts attribute many qualities to Hathor. One of her epithets was “The Lady of Drunkenness.” The yearly Tekh Festival, or Festival of Drunkenness, highlighted how drink partially sustained humanity. During this festival, people would toast to the fact that alcohol knocked down the strong cow god who attempted to annihilate humanity!
We can see how ancient Egyptians, like the ancient Egyptian cow goddess Hathor, would drink until they passed out in temple settings. Egyptians would also indulge in sexual acts at the Festival of Drunkenness to honor Hathor as the goddess of love. Overall, it seems that partaking in this festival or leaving slightly obscene votive artifacts was an excellent way to acquire the favor – or remain on the good side – of the goddess famed for both her abundant love-related gifts and her anger!
Milk intake and praise might be a more family-friendly approach to expressing thanks to Hathor. Hathor’s udders, depicted as “flowing with milk,” honor not only Hathor and her connection to mothers and children but also milk and its health benefits for people.
The Hymn of the Seven Hathors: “Praise to the goddess”
We play the tambourine for your ka,
Dance for your majesty
Exalt you
To the height of heaven.
You are the Mistress of Sekhem,
the menat and the sistrum
The Mistress of Music For whose ka one lays.
We praise your majesty
every day From dusk until the Earth grows light,
We rejoice in your countenance,
O Mistress of Dendera.
We praise you with song.
Ancient Egyptian Cow Goddess Hathor’s Main Cult Center
The goddess Hathor’s major worship center is in Dendera. A massive temple devoted to her still stands there. At the Dendera temple of goddess Hathor, Hathoric pillars are a distinct feature. These pillars display the goddess Hathor’s head, depicted as a lovely lady with cow’s ears.
Ancient Egyptian Cow Goddess Hathor’s cult comes to an end
While goddesses like Mut and Isis encroached on Hathor’s prominence in royal philosophy throughout the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC), the ancient Egyptian cow goddess remained one of the most commonly revered deities. After the New Kingdom, Isis began to eclipse Hathor’s importance. However, people continued to revere Hathor. This reverence lasted until ancient Egyptian religion died out in the first decades after Christ.
Want to learn more about ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses? Consider booking one of our Egypt vacation packages! We especially recommend options that include a Nile River Cruise. You can view amazing antique treasures, tombs, and temples of ancient Egypt and encounter Goddess Hathor in her natural habitat. Learn more about the cow goddess Hathor via joining one of our Egypt Vacation packages and Nile Cruises, and don’t forget to check Egypt’s weather before you go.
