Pakhet

Pakhet was an ancient Egyptian goddess with a complex and somewhat contradictory nature. She was primarily a lioness deity, embodying both the fierce protectiveness of a hunting cat and the nurturing aspects of motherhood. Her name, meaning "She Who Scratches" or "She Who Tears Apart," reflects her association with hunting and powerful defense.

Pakhet was often associated with the desert edges and the transition between the cultivated land and the wild. She was particularly venerated in Middle Egypt, specifically at Beni Hasan, where a significant rock-cut temple dedicated to her, known as Speos Artemidos, was built by Hatshepsut. The Greeks identified her with Artemis, hence the temple's name.

As a lioness goddess, Pakhet shared characteristics with other feline deities like Sekhmet and Bastet. However, while Sekhmet often represented destructive power and divine wrath, and Bastet was associated with domesticity and pleasure, Pakhet occupied a more ambiguous position. She could be both a ferocious protector of the pharaoh and a benevolent guardian of women and children.

The Speos Artemidos inscription describes Pakhet's role in clearing the land for the pharaoh and subduing his enemies. This highlights her warlike aspect and connection to royal power. However, she was also invoked for protection during childbirth and was believed to offer safety from dangerous animals and spirits.

Her cult center at Beni Hasan was a significant location, and offerings were made to her in hopes of securing her favor and protection. The worship of Pakhet continued for centuries, demonstrating her enduring importance in the Egyptian pantheon.