Significance of Hapi

Hapi, also spelled Hâpi, is the Egyptian Nile-god. He is a personification of the Nile, whose hidden fountains lay beneath Elephantine. As the source of the inundation, Hapi is powerful, and if overcome, mankind would perish. He is one of the four children of Horus, often depicted with a dog or ape head, representing the north. During mummification, Hapi, associated with Nephthys, protects the small intestines. Hapi is united with Ptah, Nu, and Tanen and his failure to rise caused scarcity.

Synonyms: Happy, Joyful, Glad, Cheerful, Merry, Pleased, Joy, Jolly

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

Classical concept of 'Hapi'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Hapi is identified as a son of Osiris Ani, who has come to protect him and ensure that his head and limbs are knit together, smiting down his enemies.[1] (2) Hapi, also known as the Nile, is brought forth from his source by the one within the boat, where light shines.[2] (3) A deity associated with the flood, granting power over water.[3] (4) Hapi is identified as one of the great divine rulers in Pe and Tep, along with Horus, Isis, and Mestha.[4] (5) Hapi is one of the four children of Horus, who are depicted on the side of the funereal chest and are responsible for protecting the intestines of Osiris or the deceased.[5]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Hapi is one of the four children of Horus, representing the north, protecting the small viscerae of the body, and identified with one of the arms of the deceased.[6] (2) Hapi is protected by Nephthys, who hides the hidden thing and makes protection for him, as he is one of the Four Children of Horus.[7] (3) Kekui and Kekuit were personifications of the Nile-god Hapi, whose hidden fountains lay beneath the rocks at some part of the Island of Elephantine.[8] (4) Hapi, the Nile-god, is attributed with the power that causes the Inundation, addressed under the names of the gods Ptah and Khnemu, and if he were overcome in heaven the gods would fall upon their faces and mankind would perish.[9]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Hapi is identified as the Nile, whose failure to rise to the proper height for seven years has caused great evil and scarcity.[10] (2) It is a reference to the Nile, used to describe how the poison takes possession of the land.[11] (3) Hapi is the Nile-god whose streams were allowed to flow forth by Khnemu when Tcheser restored offerings and re-endowed his sanctuary.[12]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) HAPI is one of the four children of Horus or Osiris, whose figures are attached to the small chains connected to APEP, symbolizing the subjugation of chaos.[13] (2) HAPI is caused to flow as a duty performed by the gods on the left of AFU-RA in return for the lands given to them by Osiris, highlighting the importance of the river.[14]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) Hâpi is a dog-headed child of Horus representing the north, and is associated with Nephthys and responsible for protecting the small intestines during the mummification process.[15]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) HAPI is one of the four heads of the children of Horus that spring from the undulations of the monster serpent Am-khu.[16]

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.