Taweret, also known as “The Great” or Taurt, was the goddess of fertility and the protector of pregnant women in ancient Egyptian mythology. She was also considered a celestial goddess known as the “Lady of the horizon.”
Iconography
Depicted as a pregnant figure, Taweret was often represented with large breasts, either the head of a hippopotamus or a woman, a crocodile’s tail, and lion’s paws. Her skin was depicted as black, and she wore a headdress adorned with horns and the sun disk. Her figure was commonly found on beds and milk glasses.
Mythology
She was believed to be the daughter of Ra and played a role in assisting Horus during his battle against Seth. According to Plutarch, she was also associated with Seth as his concubine. Amulets depicting Taweret were worn by pregnant women, and one of her attributes was a torch whose flame was believed to exorcise dangerous demons.
Epithets
The name “Taweret” translates to “The Great One.” As a celestial deity, she held the title of “Mysterious of the Horizon” and was symbolized by a star in the northern hemisphere of the sky.
Cult
Taweret was highly revered at various locations such as Karnak, Heliopolis, Abu Simbel, and Gebel Silsileh. Pregnant women wore amulets bearing her image in hopes of promoting an abundance of breast milk.
