BES

Bes is an ancient and unique deity in the Egyptian pantheon. Likely originating in Nubia or Central Africa, he was assimilated into Egyptian culture as a household protector. Unlike the cosmic gods who lived in distant sky temples, Bes lived in the homes of the people.

Ancient Egyptian Name	𓃀𓋴 (Bes)
Origin	Likely Nubian / Southern origin
Classification	Apotropaic Deity (wards off evil)
Domain	The Home, Childbirth, Music, Sleep

Bes was the champion of the weak. While Ra fought cosmic serpents, Bes fought the demons that caused nightmares, sickness in children, and danger during childbirth. He was the god of:

• The Home: Keeping evil spirits away from the family.
• Childbirth: Dancing around the labor room to scare away malevolent forces.
• Joy & Music: Using laughter and drums as weapons against fear.

Bes was intentionally ugly. His grotesque features—bulging eyes, sticking-out tongue, and lion's mane—were designed to terrify demons. He was aggressive towards evil but gentle towards the family he protected. This concept of using a frightening image to ward off evil is known as apotropaic magic.

Bes was the frequent companion of Taweret, the hippo goddess. Together, they formed the ultimate defense for mothers and children. Taweret provided the fierce maternal strength, while Bes provided the kinetic energy and noise to drive danger away. Their images are often found together on bed headboards and cosmetic items.

In the birthing chamber, Bes was indispensable. He was believed to dance around the mother, shouting, beating a tambourine, and brandishing knives to cut the air. This cacophony was meant to confuse and frighten away any spirit that might try to steal the newborn's breath or harm the mother.

Bes breaks the rules of Egyptian art. While almost all gods and humans are shown in profile (sideways), Bes is always shown full-face (frontal). This is because he is constantly watching the viewer, ready to confront any evil that approaches. He typically appears as a dwarf with a lion's mane, bowed legs, and a plumed headdress.

Bes had no grand state temples. His "temple" was the bedroom and the nursery. Worship consisted of keeping his amulet close, carving his image on headrests to prevent nightmares, and drinking from Bes Jars (vessels shaped like his head) to ingest healing liquids or milk. He was the most popular god of the common people.

Bes symbolizes the profound idea that Joy conquers Fear. He teaches that evil cannot stand laughter, music, and vitality. By being loud, funny, and energetic, Bes creates a shield of positive energy that darkness cannot penetrate.

Primary Role	Protector of Households & Childbirth
Appearance	Lion-maned Dwarf (Frontal view)
Partner	Taweret
Key Symbol	Stuck-out Tongue, Tambourine, Knife
Unique Trait	Depicted facing forward (Full Face)