Significance of Serpent Mehen

Serpent Mehen in Egyptian lore is a recurring protective entity. It envelops shrines, forms canopies over gods like Afu in the Boat of the Sun, and generally safeguards deities during their journeys. The serpent is associated with Osiris, dwelling where he resides and requiring acknowledgment from other gods. Mehen also possesses magical abilities, aiding in navigating boats through cities in the Tuat, signifying its vital role in the divine realm.

Synonyms: Snake, Serpent, Dragon, Cobra, Viper, Asp, Reptile

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

Classical concept of 'Serpent Mehen'

Various literature Books

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

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The Serpent Mehen forms a canopy over the god in the Boat of the Sun, which indicates its protective role during the god's journey.[1] (2) The Serpent Mehen forms a canopy over the god in the Boat of the Sun, which is guided by the star PESTET.[2] (3) The serpent MEHEN forms a canopy under which the god AFU is standing in the boat of the sun, as described in the middle register.[3] (4) An entity possessing magical powers, used to assist in towing a boat through a City within the Tuat.[4] (5) The serpent Mehen is where Osiris dwelleth, and it requires the god Afu-Asar to say hail to him, the Governor of the Tuat.[5]

From: The Book of Gates

(1) A creature whose voluminous folds envelop a shrine containing a ram-headed man with a solar disk; another serpent stands before the shrine.[6] (2) A serpent that is in the holy embrace of the gods, and the gods tow along him that is in the holy embrace of the serpent MEHEN.[7] (3) It is a form in which a great god makes way through a city, causing Neha-Hra to turn aside from the secret place of Osiris.[8]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The Serpent MEHEN is an immensely long serpent used as a rope by twelve gods to tow the Boat of AFU-RA through the Eleventh DIVISION of the Tuat.[9] (2) The serpent MEHEN's body forms a canopy in the Seventh Division, beneath which lies the "Flesh of Osiris" in the form of a god (AFU-ASAR) seated on a throne.[10]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) In the centre is the boat of the sun, in which the god stands in a shrine ; he is ram-headed, and holds in his hand a sceptre, the shrine is protected by the serpent Mehen.[11]

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.