Significance of Anubis

Anubis, a significant deity in Egyptian mythology, embodies protection and guidance in the afterlife. Often depicted as a jackal-headed figure, Anubis is associated with funerary rites, mummification, and the weighing of the heart in the judgment of the dead. He is the offspring of Osiris and Nephthys, and is sometimes associated with the twilight or dawn. Anubis is invoked in prayers and offerings, and a priest would personify Anubis to perform symbolic ceremonies. His temple is a destination for offerings, highlighting his importance in ancient Egyptian beliefs.

Synonyms: Jackal, Wolf, Weeper, Guardian of the scales, Jackal god, Egyptian deity

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Anubis'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Anubis in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Anubis, a god, stands beside the bier bearing the mummy of Ani in the mummy-chamber, and Anubis is associated with a jackal emblem.[1] (2) Anubis is a god who speaks with the speech of man and is associated with paths, cities, and the hall of double right and truth.[2] (3) A figure whose temple is the destination for offerings of milk, cakes, bread, drink, and flesh.[3] (4) A deity who is asked to make the legs firm so that the speaker may stand upon them.[4] (5) Anubis is identified as one of the great godlike rulers in the judgment of the dead, often mentioned alongside Thoth and Osiris, and is described as laying with his arms and hands over things behind Osiris.[5]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Anubis is the result of Osiris (the Nile) overflowing the barren land represented by Nephthys, highlighting a connection between the river's inundation and the deity's creation.[6] (2) Anubis is the name given to the child of Osiris and Nephthys, who became Isis's constant guard and attendant, watching and guarding the gods.[7] (3) Anubis the physician, along with Osiris, Isis, and Harpokrates, were among the few ancient Egyptian deities that did not pass into absolute oblivion.[8]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) The peasant threatens to make his complaint against Rensi to "Anubis", suggesting that Anubis is a figure of authority or judgment to whom one can appeal for justice when wronged.[9] (2) A deity who is on his hill, the dweller in the chamber of embalmment, at the head of the divine hall, mentioned in a prayer for funerary offerings.[10] (3) A protector of Osiris Kersher, ensuring he is not turned away from the Gates of the Tuat.[11]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) Anubis, along with Thoth, is involved in the operation of weighing the heart of the deceased, and he addresses some words to Thoth, who bears the Balance on his shoulders in the JUDGMENT HALL of OSIRIS.[12] (2) This entity, also known as ANPU, controls the hidden gods who march in front of the boat. These gods perform some act which helps the boat along.[13] (3) This is the "guardian of the Balance" is, and the registrar is Thoth, the scribe of the gods, who is seen noting the result of the weighing.[14]

From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt

(1) Anubis, the ancient mortuary god of Siut, counts Osiris away from the gods belonging to the earth, to the gods dwelling in the sky, elevating his status.[15] (2) Horus proclaimed the royal decree in the places of Anubis, highlighting the association between Horus's authority and the realm of the dead.[16]

From: The Book of Gates

(1) Anubis is a jackal-headed figure in the top left-hand corner, and the text refers to him as one who makes maat the word of his little one.[17]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) The document mentions that a priest who is made to personify Anubis comes to the deceased and performs certain symbolical ceremonies by his head.[18]

From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope

(1) Osiris and Anubis are the recipients of prayers from Sen-nofer and Meryt, who are depicted in an arbor.[19]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) A deity who elsewhere he is found in the usual form of Ptah seated upon a throne behind Osiris and followed by, Horus, son of Isis, and Hathor.[20]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Anubis in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) "Anubis" is frequently mentioned as the giver of food offerings to the dead, and in later periods, Osiris generally takes his place in performing this essential role.[21]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.