God Anubis is one of the most iconic ancient Egyptian gods, instantly recognized by his jackal head and black form. Known as the guardian of cemeteries, embalmer of mummies, and guide of souls, Anubis was central to funerary rituals and beliefs about the afterlife.

In this guide, we explore the origins of Anubis Egyptian God, his family and roles, symbolism, cult practices, Spell 125 (Weighing of the Heart), tattoo meanings, and his lasting cultural impact.

Who was God Anubis?

Anubis (Egyptian: Inpu/Anpu) was among the earliest and most famous deities of ancient Egypt. Revered as the god of mummification and the guardian of cemeteries, he presided over funerary rituals and the safe passage of souls into the afterlife.

Depicted as a black jackal or a man with a jackal head, his color symbolized death and rebirth—echoing the fertile black soil of the Nile.

Anubis was also the chief deity of the 17th Nome of Upper Egypt, Cynopolis (“City of the Dog”), and one of the most recognizable Egyptian gods throughout history.

Why did the Ancient Egyptians Worship Anubis?

Jackals often roamed cemeteries; Egyptians deified the jackal as guardian of the necropolis to protect the dead and sanctify burials—thus Anubis became the god of mummification.

His name meant “Royal Child,” and through fear, respect, and devotion, he evolved into a pivotal Egyptian god of the afterlife.

Names and Titles of God Anubis

Known as Anpu, Inpu, Ienpw, and Imeut (“Lord of the Place of Embalming”). The Greek form “Anubis” spread in later eras. Titles included: Counter of Hearts, First of the Westerners, Lord of the Mummy Wrapping, Chief of the Necropolis, Prince of the Court of Justice, and Master of Secrets.

Origin and Family of Anubis

Traditions vary: son of Ra, or of Set or Bastet. The most enduring myth names him the son of Osiris and Isis, brother to Horus—linking him to both kingship and resurrection.

Mentions alongside Sopdet, Babi, and Wepwawet show his place among deities of death and protection.

Symbolism of the Egyptian God Anubis

Black skin signified rebirth via the Nile’s fertile soil; the jackal head connected him to cemeteries; crook and flail conveyed authority over life and death. From the Old Kingdom onward, he embodied protection and transformation.

Roles of Anubis in the Afterlife

I. Embalmer

As “He who is in the residence of embalming,” Anubis presided over mummification—myths tell how he assisted Isis in embalming Osiris.

II. Protector of Tombs

“Foremost of the Westerners” and “He who is upon his mountain” reflect his vigilant guardianship over cemeteries and sacred lands.

III. Guide of Souls

He led the deceased through the perilous journey to the afterlife, ensuring safe passage to the Hall of Judgment.

IV. Weigher of Hearts

Anubis oversaw the weighing of the heart against the feather of Maat—a pure heart earned eternal life.

Spell 125 – The Weighing of the Heart

In the Book of the Dead, Spell 125 describes how Anubis calibrates the scales to weigh the heart against the feather of Maat. Under Thoth’s record and Osiris’ judgment, the righteous pass to bliss, while the unworthy face annihilation by Ammit.

This iconic scene cemented Anubis as guarantor of justice, purity, and moral balance in the afterlife.

Anubis Tattoos – Meanings & Design Ideas

In modern culture, Anubis tattoos symbolize protection, transformation, and fearlessness in the face of death. Popular motifs include the jackal head in profile, scales of justice, crook & flail, or full-canid forms in black ink.

Design cues: geometric lines, hieroglyphic borders, or pairing with the feather of Maat to emphasize balance and truth.

Anubis without Temples

Unlike other major gods, Anubis had no grand temples; cemeteries and tombs were his sanctuaries. Shrines like the Anubeion near Saqqara held mummified dogs and jackals as votive offerings.

His cult centers in Cynopolis and Asyut underscore his intimate bond with the necropolis rather than monumental worship.

Cult of the Egyptian God Anubis

Priests of Anubis performed funerary rites and wore jackal masks during ceremonies, embodying the god’s presence and authority over death and rebirth.

Active devotion included prayers, offerings, and votive deposits—reinforcing Anubis’ role as guardian of body and soul.

Legacy and Cultural Impact of Anubis

Anubis adorned amulets, coffins, and tomb walls as a protective emblem; the Weighing of the Heart remains an enduring icon of justice and truth.

Today, he features in books, films, games, and tattoos—standing for mystery, protection, and the eternal cycle of life and death.

Anubis vs Osiris — What’s the Difference?

While Anubis guided and protected the dead—preparing the body and leading the soul through judgment—Osiris presided as the lord of the afterlife and the ultimate judge. In the Weighing of the Heart, Anubis operated the scales, Thoth recorded the verdict, and Osiris delivered the final judgment.

Anubis in Modern Pop Culture

Beyond temples and tombs, God Anubis appears in films, TV, games, comics, and contemporary art. His jackal-headed silhouette symbolizes mystery, justice, and transformation.

Discover Anubis Through Egypt Tours

Learning about God Anubis is even more fascinating when you explore Egypt in person. From ancient necropolises to temples and museums, our tours bring you closer to the myths and monuments of the jackal-headed guardian of the afterlife.

• Egypt Tour Packages – complete journeys across Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & more.
• Egypt Nile River Cruises – sail between temples along the Nile.
• Egypt Shore Excursions – quick trips from ports to Egypt’s treasures.
• Egypt Day Tours – guided visits to pyramids, museums & necropolises.

Conclusion

From jackal-headed guardian to arbiter of moral truth, God Anubis embodied Egypt’s deepest beliefs about death and rebirth. His symbols, cult centers, and timeless imagery continue to inspire—and to protect—the journey between worlds.

FAQ – Egyptian God Anubis