Bastet: Egyptian Goddess of Protection

Bastet is the goddess of pregnancy, the protector of young pharaohs, and the goddess of cats. She is depicted with a cat’s head, and she is usually holding a sistrum.

Bastet Cat Goddess of Protection Storyboard

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Bastet was originally depicted as a lioness, but over the years, she became more small feline-like in her appearance. She also went from a vengeful goddess to a much more benign deity. In early years, she was associated with spreading plague as punishment, but this association disappeared over time, along with her appearance as a housecat. The Egyptians revered housecats because they took care of rats, mice, and other vermin. Most importantly, they also scared off snakes which helped protect crops and homes. In fact, Bastet was credited with killing Apep, a great serpent and evil archenemy of Ra. She was thought to be part of the Eye of Ra, a collective of Egyptian goddesses that protected Ra and battled his enemies.

Women looked to Bastet as a symbol of fertility, and she was often depicted with a litter of kittens at her feet. Women who wanted to bear children would wear a necklace with her image and the number of kittens they wished would translate into children in their households.

She was the protector of young pharaohs, and she occasionally would help transport the souls of the dead to Duat. Her priests kept cats in her temple, and when they died they were mummified and offered to Bastet to protect in the afterlife. It was considered a grave sin to mistreat a cat in ancient Egypt, because they were considered to be sacred animals and under Bastet’s direct protection.

The sistrum Bastet carries is traditionally carried by Hathor, showing a clear connection between the two goddesses.

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Bastet Quick Reference

Parents

Ra

Power / Domain

Pregnancy, young pharaohs, and cats

Symbols / Attributes

• cat's head
• sistrum - percussion instrument
• litter of kittens

Notable Myths

• Setha and Taboubu
• Battle of Apep
• Eye of Ra

Frequently Asked Questions about Bastet: Egyptian Goddess of Protection

Who was Bastet in ancient Egyptian mythology?

Bastet was an important goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, known as the protector of homes, women, and children. She was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat's head.

What did Bastet symbolize to Egyptians?

Bastet symbolized protection, fertility, and motherhood. She was also associated with music, joy, and cats, which Egyptians considered sacred animals.

Why is Bastet often shown with a cat's head?

Bastet is shown with a cat's head because cats represented grace and protection in Egyptian culture. Egyptians believed cats could ward off evil spirits, just like Bastet.

What is the difference between Bastet and Sekhmet?

Bastet and Sekhmet are both lioness goddesses, but Bastet is associated with peace and protection, while Sekhmet represents war and destruction.

How can teachers use Bastet's story in the classroom?

Teachers can use Bastet's story to teach students about Egyptian culture, mythology, and the role of animals in ancient beliefs. Activities might include drawing Bastet, comparing myths, or discussing her symbolism.