Significance of Nephthys

Nephthys, also known as Teleute, is a significant Egyptian deity. Born from Seb and Nut, she is sister to Isis, with whom she mourns Osiris. Nephthys is associated with barren lands, protection, and hidden aspects of life. She had a relationship with Osiris, resulting in Anubis. Married to Set, she is sometimes linked to darkness. Nephthys plays a role in protection against poison and oversees births, highlighting her diverse functions in Egyptian mythology and religious practices.

Synonyms: Nebt-het, Lady of the house

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

Classical concept of 'Nephthys'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Nephthys kneels at the head of the bier, accompanied by a flame of fire, symbolizing her protective role and her presence in the scene.[1] (2) Nephthys is referenced as the grief of Nephthys, which is the name of the speaker's left foot.[2] (3) Nephthys nurseth Osiris, the scribe Ani, triumphant, whose heart liveth.[3] (4) Nephthys is identified as one of the great godlike rulers in Tattu, alongside Osiris, Isis, and Horus.[4] (5) She is depicted in the form of a hawk at the head of Ani's mummy, and is associated with Isis as protectors and providers, with plumes representing them.[5]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Nephthys, also known as Teleute, represents the extreme limits of the country and the sea-shore, signifying barren land, thereby defining the boundaries of the territory.[6] (2) Nephthys is the sister of Isis who was in love with Osiris and had a relationship with him, resulting in a child named Anubis.[7] (3) This figure was born on the fifth day. Some call this figure Teleute, Aphrodite, or Nike. Kronos is said to have been the father of this figure.[8] (4) Nephthys appears shedding tears and uttering cries of lamentation, going round about through the papyrus swamps.[9] (5) Nephthys is mentioned as spinning against the poison, working in conjunction with Isis to create a protective barrier and counteract the effects of the venom.[10]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) According to the text, Nephthys is one of the names of the gods of the stone of Abu, which is a location filled with precious materials and stone.[11] (2) A deity, the divine sister of Horus, the avenger of his father, mentioned in a prayer for funerary offerings, indicating religious significance.[12] (3) Nephthys, according to the text, is married to Set, although their son Anpu, or Anubis, is not mentioned in the creation narrative.[13] (4) Nephthys is among the goddesses sent by Ra to oversee the birth of Rut-tetet's three sons, ensuring their well-being and future rule.[14]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Nephthys is the other mourner for Osiris, also identified as his sister, and together with Isis, they represent the pair of sisters in the mourning rituals.[15] (2) Nephthys is an earth-mother who carries the basket of seed on her head.[16] (3) She is the lady of darkness and consort of Sut, sometimes associated with scandal.[17]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Nephthys is a goddess mentioned in connection with Net, Isis, and Serqet-Hetu in the text of Tetȧ.[18] (2) Nephthys is a deity born from Nut, often associated with mourning, protection, and the hidden aspects of life, playing a supportive role in the mythology of Osiris and Isis.[19] (3) A goddess produced by Shu and Tefnut.[20]

From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt

(1) A figure behind the dead king, , with Isis before him, while Upwawet opened the way for them, marking triumph from Buto.[21] (2) "Nephthys" is mentioned alongside Set as hastening to the south to proclaim the king's coming, indicating her role as a divine messenger in the southern region.[22]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) Two women took the parts of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys, and the men those of the gods who helped them in the performance of their pious duties.[23]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) NEPHTHYS is represented by the uraeus at the threshold of the Gate TESERT-BAIU, symbolizing her role in guarding the 'Secret Gate.'[24]

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.