Sobek : The Crocodile God

Sobek

Introduction

Among the oldest known deities in the Pyramid Texts is Sobek, who was regarded as the leader of crocodiles. According to some ancient Egyptian sects, he created the Nile River and ruled over the universe when he emerged from the Dark Water. Sobek was known for his quick movements and ferocity, but he was also associated with fertility. In ancient Egypt, people worshipped Sobek to appease both crocodiles and humans, as well as ensure their continued fertility.

In the religion of ancient Egypt, Sebek was a crocodile god who lived in Fayym province and was known to have a live crocodile named Petsuchos. It is believed that the god was an early fertility god. He became a significant deity during the Middle Kingdom’s history. Sobek was then merged with Re, who was the sun god, in 1630. This created a crocodile god known as Sebek-Re. The religion of Sebek continued to be practiced in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods in the Fayym and in Upper Egypt. There have been mummified crocodiles cemeteries in the area.

Physical Traits

Sobek was typically depicted as either a man with a crocodile’s head wearing a Hemhem crown, flanked by ostrich feathers, and displaying the Uraeus cobra symbol. Sobek was most likely depicted as a crocodile, as it represented his connection to the Nile and animal form. The ankh was meant to represent his fertility god status, while the was-scepter represented his royal god status. The solar disk was also used to represent his solar god status. The water lily symbolized his ability to regenerate and rebirth.

Family

The family of Sobek is not clear, as various accounts provide different details. Some believe that he was born as a child of Neith, a warlike deity, and Set, a violent and chaotic god. His dark and violent nature would align him with his father’s destructive traits. Others believe that he was born as the child of Khnum, who was a potter’s wheel god, and Neith, who was a goddess. This would make him a protective and creative god, similar to his mother’s nurturing nature.

Others believe that he was created by the god Horus, who was a falcon-headed deity. He is said to have fertilized an egg with the help of a crocodile. This would make him a powerful god that was aligned with his father’s solar nature. Sobek’s wife was Renenutet, who was a snake goddess who protected the pharaohs’ crops and fertility. The couple had a son named Khonsu, who was regarded as a time and moon god.

Other names

Sobek’s name means “to impregnate” or “to cause to be pregnant”, reflecting his role as a fertility god. He is also known by other names, such as Sebek, Sochet, Sobk, or Sobki.

Powers and Abilities

Sobek had a wide range of symbols and powers related to his domains, including fertility, crocodiles, and the Nile. It is believed that he created the river through sweat, and he also laid eggs near the primordial waters of Nun. Sobek was regarded as a god of fertility, as he was invoked by women who desired to have children and farmers who were looking to ensure that their crops were bountiful. He was also known to have virility and sexual power. The ancient Egyptians considered Sobek to be a god of crocodiles, as they were regarded as symbols of power, protection, and strength. Some of these animals were kept in pools and temples dedicated to Sobek, and they were mummified after they had died.

Modern Day Influence

Sobek is a playable deity in Smite, where he can be used to deal damage and control enemies using his crocodile abilities. He is also featured in Assassin’s Creed Origins as a massive crocodile god.

Sobek refers to an alien species within the Star Wars universe that’s known for its brutality and strength. It has appeared in various forms of media, such as video games and comics. In DC Comics, it is the name of a villain known as a crocodile-man, who is part of the Four Horsemen.