Learn more about the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt with these interesting facts. Egyptians regarded the river Nile as a source of life and death and dedicated many gods to its protection. A number of these deities were represented in human form, including the fertility god, Min. Others were grotesque and took on more human like characteristics. The dwarf Bes was often depicted with a mask-like face, and the goddess Taurt was a combination of crocodile and hippopotamus features. The goddess Anuket is a major figure in Egyptian mythology. She created the soul or Ka, which represented human life. She also provided the afterlife with a destiny, which she decided upon based on one's character. She was a popular goddess during the Early Dynastic Period and the New Kingdom, pre-dating both Bastet and Sekhmet. In addition, she was a guardian of life and death, as she swallowed the setting sun, Ra, each evening. The goddess was a powerful figure, and is often depicted on the ceiling of a temple or tomb. The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were extremely important to their people. The most prominent gods were associated with agriculture, and the two were connected. Among them was Osiris.
