Thouaret

Thouaret, also spelled Taouret, Taweret, or Taueret, is an ancient Egyptian protective deity. She is typically depicted as a composite creature with the head of a hippopotamus, the limbs of a lion, the back and tail of a crocodile, and human breasts. These features, particularly the hippopotamus and lion elements, represent power and ferocity, but channeled towards protection rather than destruction.

Taweret's primary role was as a protector of women during pregnancy and childbirth. She was believed to ward off evil spirits and dangers that could threaten both the mother and the newborn child. As such, amulets and figurines of Taweret were commonly worn or placed in the home, especially during pregnancy and labor. These objects served as a form of sympathetic magic, invoking her protective powers.

Beyond childbirth, Taweret was also seen as a more general household guardian, protecting the home and family from harm. Her association with water, due to the hippopotamus, linked her to fertility, rebirth, and the life-giving properties of the Nile River.

While not part of the main Egyptian pantheon in the same way as gods like Ra or Osiris, Taweret was a widely venerated and beloved deity, particularly among ordinary Egyptians. Her popularity stemmed from her direct and practical role in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Temples dedicated specifically to Taweret were less common, but her image appeared frequently on objects of daily life, demonstrating her pervasive presence in ancient Egyptian culture and belief.