Bes : The Household God

Bes

Introduction

Bes was a creature from ancient Egypt that resembled a dwarf with a large head, protruding tongue, and several bowlegs and feathers on its tail. It is regarded as one of the most prominent of a group of bearded deities with similar features. Its hideous appearance was said to scare away evil forces. He was often depicted on mirrors, vases, and other personal items. He was associated with childbirth and music, and he was also represented in “birth houses” that were dedicated to the child god. Contrary to popular belief, Bes was not usually depicted in profile.

Physical Traits

The Egyptians regarded Bes as a dwarf-like creature, and his arms were too long. Because of his stature, some believe that he was corrupted by the evil spirits that visited him. The image of Bes was usually placed at the entrance gates of birth houses. It almost always appeared outside the dwellings.

It was believed that his loud instruments, wild dancing, and lion’s mask would scare away evil spirits that tried to enter the house. He was typically depicted as a long-haired bearded dwarf with large ears and bow-legged and prominent genitals. He was sometimes seen holding a snake or a sword.

Family

Although Bes was highly popular in ancient Egypt, there is currently no known story about his origin. According to Richard Wilkinson, a renowned Egyptologist, he shared many similarities with other deities such as Amam, Hayett, Ihty and Mefdjet. However, his unique characteristics stood out from the others.

His feminine aspect is represented by the appearance of Beset in spells to ward off demons, ghosts, and dark magic. He is actually a demon, and the word “demon” should not be used in modern context to refer to him. In the Mesopotamian culture, a demon called Pazuzu was known to preside over infants and pregnant women. Although Bes is often associated with the feminine aspect of his appearance, he is more likely to be associated with Taweret, who is the hippopotamus deity of fertility and childbirth.

Other names

Apart from his female counterpart Bestet, he was never known by any other names.

Powers and Abilities

The protective qualities of Bes were shown through his ability to fend off evil. He was also often seen dancing, singing, and laughing, and this was a form of entertainment for children. It was believed that if a child was seen laughing or smiling, it was because they were being entertained by Bes.

It may seem strange that people would pay homage to Bes, who was often depicted as a frowning dwarf with large genitals. Since he was not a religious person, he was not able to have a formal temple or clergy. Instead, he was worshipped at birth houses and homes. He was also known to encourage toilet training among children. He was also known to teach girls and boys how to be brave and fight for their rights. Bes’ physical attributes can also be used to influence a child’s occupation. He was believed to have been chosen as a merchant priest by the gods. He was a type of clergy who was responsible for keeping track of the goods that were brought into and out of the temple.

Like Bastet, he also protected women’s health and encouraged them to perform their domestic duties properly. He was primarily known for being the god of childbirth and pregnant women. Those who were having a hard time conceiving would visit a special incubation chamber known as Bes Chamber, which can be found at the Temple of Hathor. They would spend the night in his presence.

Modern Day Influence

In the video game Hades, Bes can be acquired from the god Hermes. He is a small statue with a long tongue and a lion’s mane, and he can be used to increase the player’s speed and dodge chance. In the 2019 film Gods Of Egypt, he is also a god who saves Bek’s lover Zaya, actor Chadwick Boseman played Bes. He was shown to be a clever and witty god who can grow and shrink at will.

In 2017, Bes was featured in the animated series The Sherman & Peabody Show. Bes is often depicted as a cheerful god who enjoys dancing and playing music. He also helps Sherman and Mr. Peabody escape from a massive crocodile that would eat them.