The Scorpion “Hededet”

Document Type : Research Articles

Author

guidance department, high institute of tourism and hotels, Egoth- Luxor

Abstract

Hededet is one of invertebrate deities who was worshipped in the form of scorpion. The scorpion inhabits mostly the Egyptian deserts, since it usually lives in dry climates all over the world. The Buthridas is the more poisonous, while the Scorpionidae is relatively harmless. In general, they evoke fear, like venomous snakes. It was mentioned in ancient Egyptian sources since the Early Dynastic period. Hededet appeared from the first intermediate period. Her main cult center is Edfu where she appeared for the first time at the end of 18th Dynasty and her common title is “Hri ib BHdt”. she is the daughter of Ra who protected him in the afterlife from Apophis. She is associated with goddess Isis and became Isis-Hededet; wife of Wsir and mother of Horus at Edfu. There were priests consecrated for her cult which is celebrated regularly. She resembled goddess Serqet in many aspects but they have different in form and role.

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