WEPWAWET

Wepwawet (also spelled Upuaut) is the ancient wolf god of war and leadership. His name is a direct description of his primary function.

Ancient Egyptian Name	𓄋𓈐𓏏 (Wp-wꜢwt)
Phonetic Pronunciation	Wep-wah-wet
Literal Meaning	“The Opener of the Ways”
Sacred Animal	Wolf (Canis lupus lupaster)

Unlike Anubis, who is associated with the stillness of the tomb, Wepwawet is the active deity who clears the path for the king in battle and the gods in procession.

Wepwawet's title, "Opener of the Ways," refers to his role as a scout and trailblazer. He was believed to:

• Lead the Army: Marching at the front of military campaigns to clear obstacles.
• Guide the Procession: His standard (a wolf on a pole) always led the royal and divine processions during festivals.
• Navigate the Afterlife: Helping the deceased find safe passage through the dangerous gates of the Duat.

Though often confused due to their canine forms, Wepwawet and Anubis have distinct identities:

Feature	Wepwawet	Anubis
Animal	Wolf (Grey/White)	Jackal (Black)
Posture	Standing upright on a standard	Crouching or tending a mummy
Primary Domain	War, Living Processions, Kingship	Mummification, Tombs, Embalming
Color Symbolism	Grey (Age/Wisdom/War)	Black (Fertility/Resurrection)

Wepwawet's lineage is fluid. In some traditions, he is the son of Isis, linking him to Horus. In others, he is a form of Horus himself ("Horus the Wolf"). Later, he became associated with Osiris, serving as the champion who "opened the way" for Osiris's victory over his enemies.

While Anubis cared for the body, Wepwawet guided the soul (Ba). In the Book of the Dead, he is invoked to "open the good paths" for the deceased, ensuring they do not get lost in the netherworld. He was the scout who found the safe route to the Field of Reeds.

Wepwawet is almost always depicted as a wolf standing on all fours atop a Shedshed (a ceremonial sledge or standard). He is often accompanied by a uraeus (cobra) rising from between his paws, emphasizing his royal nature. In human form, he appears as a wolf-headed man, often dressed as a soldier or carrying weapons (a mace and bow).

His primary cult center was in Upper Egypt at Asyut. The Greeks, recognizing his animal form, named the city Lycopolis ("City of the Wolf"). Here, wolves were considered sacred, and a cemetery for mummified wolves has been discovered near the city, testifying to his enduring popularity.

Wepwawet represents the principle of Initiative. He is the force that takes the first step into the unknown. Whether it is a king marching to war, a god leaving the temple, or a soul entering the afterlife, Wepwawet embodies the courage required to begin a journey and the strength to overcome the first obstacles.

Primary Role	Opener of Ways, War God, Scout
Sacred Animal	Wolf (standing)
Cult Center	Asyut (Lycopolis)
Key Festival	Heb Sed (Royal Jubilee)
Symbol	Wolf on a Shedshed Standard