Bes in Egyptian mythology is a dwarf god with a lion-like face who protected households, mothers, children, and sleeping people from danger. Unlike most Egyptian deities, who were shown in profile, Bes was always depicted full-face, staring directly at the viewer to frighten away evil spirits.
Origins and Early Evidence
Bes first appears in the archaeological record during the Middle Kingdom (around 2055–1650 BCE), but he became truly popular in the New Kingdom (1550–1069 BCE) and the Late Period. His name may derive from the Egyptian word besa, meaning “to protect” or “to guard,” although some scholars link it to a Nubian or African origin because of his features. Early images show him as a fierce lion-headed dwarf with a tail, a beard, and a protruding tongue, often holding a knife or a snake. By the Graeco-Roman period, Bes had become one of the most widely recognized household gods in Egypt, and his image appeared on amulets, furniture, mirrors, and even in temples.
Appearance and Iconography
Bes is unique among Egyptian gods because he is almost always shown facing forward, with his hands on his hips or holding protective symbols. His typical look includes:
- A dwarf’s body with short, bowed legs and a large head
- A lion’s mane and ears, sometimes with a tail
- A wide, grimacing face with a protruding tongue
- A feathered headdress or a crown of tall plumes
- A knife, a shield, or a snake in his hands
This full-face pose was meant to be intimidating to demons and harmful creatures. The tongue sticking out was a gesture of defiance and mockery, common in ancient Egyptian magic. On some amulets, Bes is shown dancing or playing a tambourine, which connects him to music and joy as well as protection.
Role in Daily Life and the Home
Unlike the great state gods like Amun or Ra, Bes was a personal, everyday deity. His main job was to guard the vulnerable: pregnant women, newborns, and people sleeping. Egyptian homes had images of Bes on bedposts, headrests, and cosmetic containers. Women wore Bes amulets during childbirth, and mothers placed them on their children’s cradles. The god was also invoked to ward off snakes, scorpions, and nightmares. In the New Kingdom, Bes appeared on “magical wands” made of hippopotamus ivory, which were used in rituals to protect the mother and child from evil spirits like Apep, the chaos serpent.
Bes in Temples and the Afterlife
Bes was not just a household god; he also had a place in formal religion. In the temple of Hathor at Dendera, a small chapel was dedicated to Bes, and his image appeared in the birth houses (mammisi) attached to major temples, where the divine birth of the pharaoh was celebrated. In the afterlife, Bes was thought to guard the deceased during their journey through the underworld. The Book of the Dead includes spells that invoke Bes to protect the dead from being decapitated or devoured. His fierce face was painted on the walls of tombs to scare away demons who might harm the soul.
Bes and the Goddess Beset
Bes was sometimes paired with a female counterpart, Beset, who appears in later periods, especially in the first millennium BCE. Beset is shown with a lioness head and a woman’s body, often with a tambourine or a sistrum. She was associated with music and dance, and her cult was centered in the Delta. In some texts, Beset is described as the wife of Bes, and together they protected the home. However, Beset never achieved the same popularity as Bes, and many of her roles overlapped with the goddess Hathor and the lioness goddess Sekhmet.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Bes was a minor or unimportant god. In reality, his cult was widespread and long-lasting, from the Middle Kingdom to the Roman period. Another misconception is that Bes was a demon or a monster because of his ugly face. Actually, he was a benevolent protector, and his frightening appearance was a tool to scare away evil, not to harm humans. Also, some people confuse Bes with the god Ptah, who was also a dwarf in some forms, but Ptah was a creator god from Memphis, while Bes was a distinct household deity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bes protect people from?
Bes protected people from a wide range of dangers, including snakes, scorpions, evil spirits, nightmares, and illness. He was especially important for pregnant women and children, and his image was placed in bedrooms and nurseries to keep the family safe during sleep.
Why is Bes shown with a tongue sticking out?
The protruding tongue was an ancient Egyptian gesture of mockery and defiance. It was meant to insult and frighten evil spirits, making them turn away. This gesture is also seen on other protective figures, like the dwarf god Aha, who later merged with Bes.
Did Bes have a temple?
Yes, Bes had a small chapel at Dendera, and his image appeared in the birth houses of many temples. However, he was primarily a household god, so most of his worship took place in private homes rather than in grand state temples.
Is Bes related to the god Aha?
Yes, many scholars believe that Bes evolved from an earlier dwarf god named Aha, who was also a protector of the home. By the Middle Kingdom, Aha’s traits merged with the lion-headed dwarf figure to create the god we now call Bes.
Was Bes worshiped outside Egypt?
Yes, Bes was popular throughout the ancient Mediterranean. His image has been found in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and even in the palace of Knossos in Crete. The Romans also adopted him, and his likeness appeared on Roman amulets and household items.
How did Bes help in childbirth?
Bes was invoked during labor to protect the mother and baby from evil spirits who might try to harm them. Magical wands with Bes’s image were rubbed on the mother’s belly, and amulets were placed on the baby’s crib. His fierce face was believed to scare away any demon that threatened the birth.
Related
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- Egyptian Moon Gods: Khonsu, Thoth, and Iah Explained
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