Significance of Monster serpent

The monster serpent in Egyptian mythology is a significant symbol of chaos and evil. It appears in various forms, including a serpent with multiple heads or a human head. Apep, a manifestation of evil, takes the form of a monster serpent to attack the Sun-god. The serpent is associated with dangerous creatures and represents a threat to the established order. Armed goddesses protect the tombs of Osiris from this monstrous entity, highlighting its dangerous nature.

Synonyms: Dragon, Leviathan, Basilisk, Hydra

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

Classical concept of 'Monster serpent'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The monster serpent, named AM-NETU-F, stands on its tail and guards the door, requiring SAU to command it to open the gate to Ra.[1] (2) The monster serpent which stands on his tail and guards the door is called SETHU, and the gate openeth to Ra as the serpent unfolds its portal.[2] (3) The monster serpent, called AB-TA, stands on its tail and guards the door, controlling access to what lies beyond.[3] (4) It stands on its tail, guards the door, and is called SET-HRA.[4] (5) A monster serpent named AKHA-EN-MAAT guards the gateway, opening the door for Ra, allowing light to penetrate the darkness, demonstrating its crucial role.[5]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The monster serpent SEBI and the monster serpent RERI guard the two doors within the Gate TESERT-BAIU, adding to the protective measures of the secret gate.[6] (2) This creature, named AM-NETU-F, guards the gate called SHETAT-BESU, which leads into the ELEVENTH DIVISION, or HOUR, of the Tuat.[7] (3) The monster serpent called AKHA-EN-MAAT guards the Gate PESTIT, which is the entrance to the Seventh Division, according to the provided text.[8] (4) The monster serpent NEHA-HRA blocks AFU-RA's path in the seventh division, lying on a sand bank and presenting a significant obstacle that requires divine intervention to overcome.[9] (5) The monster serpents inhabit the barren, sandy deserts of the kingdom of SEKER, some having two heads, some three, and some having wings, posing difficulties for AFU-RA's passage.[10]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The monster serpent is behind the four goddesses, each armed with a huge knife, whose duty it is to guard the tombs of the four forms of Osiris.[11]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Apep appeared in the sky in the form of a monster serpent, marshalling all the fiends of the Tuat to imprison the Sun-god in darkness.[12]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) A monster serpent is stretched out at almost full length within the oval, having two snakes' heads at one end and a bearded human head at the other.[13]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) Forms in which the god of evil became incarnate, along with wild and savage animals and venomous reptiles.[14]

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.