BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

ANUBIS

In the ancient land of Egypt, where the sun's golden rays danced upon the sands, there existed a deity whose name evoked both reverence and awe: Anubis, guardian of the underworld and guide of souls into the afterlife. His presence was a sacred force, known to shepherd the dead through the mysteries beyond life.

Anubis was portrayed with the head of a sleek, black jackal—an animal whose sharp senses and nightly prowls made it a symbol of death and the afterlife. His fur shimmered under the cold glow of the moon, marking him as a figure of protection and transition, standing ever vigilant between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Born from the union of Osiris, lord of the afterlife, and Nephthys, goddess of mourning, Anubis possessed from a young age an innate mastery of life's greatest mystery—death. This wisdom earned him the title, "He Who is upon His Sacred Mountain," and sealed his role as the custodian of souls.

His duty was solemn: guiding the departed through the perilous afterlife to the Hall of Judgment. There, their hearts would be weighed against the feather of Ma'at, goddess of truth and justice. If their hearts were light and pure, they would be granted eternal life in the idyllic Field of Reeds. But those whose hearts were heavy with sin would face Ammit, the devourer of souls—a fate feared above all.Yet Anubis was more than just a judge. He was also a protector of the dead, safeguarding the sanctity of tombs and graves, ensuring the deceased rested undisturbed. Statues of his form stood sentinel over burial sites, fending off evil spirits and guiding lost souls to their eternal rest.Though his connection to death stirred fear in some, Anubis was widely revered as a compassionate guide, offering comfort to those embarking on the uncertain voyage beyond life. He was a reminder that death, rather than an end, was a transition—a passage into a new realm beyond the mortal coil.