Maahes God Of War And Protection

Maahes, the Egyptian Lion God: Protector and Vengeful One

Maahes is rarely named, but often referred to as "The Lord of the Butchery" in Egyptian mythology. He was also "The Knife Bearer," "The Red One" (from the blood of his enemies) and "Slaughterer." Although he had those names, he was not evil. He punished those who broke Ma’at (cosmic order) and justice, so he was also "Avenger of Unrighteousness" and "Help of the Wise."

The Greeks associated Maahes with the Furies, who were feared but not evil, and called him "The Gentle One."

In Egyptian mythology, lions were symbolic of royalty, and Maahes was the Pharaoh’s god. He was shown as the son of Bast (lioness goddess of Lower Egypt) and Sekhmet (lioness goddess of Upper Egypt). Sometimes his father was Ptah, sometimes Ra, depending on which of them was the chief god at the time.

Maahes was connected to Nefertum, another son of Bast or Sekhmet, and sometimes they were considered the same god, shown with floral imagery like lotus flowers. He was also with Shemsu (lion-headed god), Anhur (Onuris, war god), and Shu (who could be lion-shaped).

Leontopolis ("city of lions") was Maahes’ main cult place, where tame lions were kept in his temple. He was also worshiped in Djerba, Iunet (Dendera), Per-Bast (Bubastis), and Meroe. In Memphis, he was in a triad with Nefertum and sometimes Imhotep.

Maahes was the sun’s heat personified and was with the goddesses called the "Eye of Ra," his mother Sekhmet or Bast. In Greek, he was a storm god. Although he had fierce aspects, he was a protective god. He protected Ra on his nightly journey through the underworld, the Pharaoh in battle, and sacred places and the innocent.