Hemsut

❧

Wikipedia

The Hemsut
Name in hieroglyphs
N41G43S29X1
ParentsPtah

In Egyptian mythology, The ḥmswt (anglicized as Hemsut, Hemuset or Hemusut) were the goddesses of fate and protection.[1][2] They are representative of the Ka (male protective spirit[3]).

Hemsut are female counterparts to the Ka, providing nourishment, life force, power, and magical protection, especially to newborn royalty. The Hemsut images in art include a shield crossed with arrows, often worn as a headdress and sometimes appearing independently. The shield symbolizes the Sais Nome (Sap-Meh). Originally hemsut were closely associated with specific Kas, forming pairs (e.g., Hemsut of Hu, Hemsut of Heka), their concept probably expanded over time to include other deities.[2]

The Hemsut are briefly mentioned in The Prince of Egypt.

References

  1. ↑ Ventker 2018.
  2. 1 2 Bonnet 2000, p. 286.
  3. ↑ Lurker 2015, p. 181.

Sources

  • Bonnet, Hans, ed. (2000). "Hemsut". Lexikon der ägyptischen Religionsgeschichte [Lexicon of Egyptian Religious History] (in German) (3 ed.). Hamburg: Nikol. ISBN 3-937872-08-6.
  • Lurker, Manfred (2015-04-29). "Ka". A Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses, Devils and Demons. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-10620-0. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
  • Ventker, Bettina (2018). Garanten der Herrschaft: Die Prozessionen der Kas und Hemusut in den Tempeln der griechisch-römischen Zeit [Guarantors of Rule: The Processions of the Kas and Hemusut in the Temples of the Greco-Roman Period]. Soubassementstudien VI. Studien zur spätägyptischen Religion (in German). Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag. ISBN 978-3-447-10883-6.