the meaning of anubis in mythology
In Egyptian mythology, Anubis is revered as the god of death and the afterlife, as well as the guardian of lost souls, children, and the unfortunate.
The name Anubis has its roots in the Greek language, originally derived from the Egyptian “anpu” meaning “to decompose”. Anubis is represented in Egyptian hieroglyphs as a man with the head of a canine or jackal.
It is believed that this canine form was chosen to ward off wild dogs known to dig the graves of the dead in ancient times.
The visual representation of anubis works in many ways to symbolize the concept of regeneration and spiritual protection.
Anubis’s head was traditionally shown as black, representing his association with death and the afterlife. While the ancient Egyptians recognized black as the color of decay, they also connected it with the fertile soils of the Nile that represented rebirth and life. in this way, the black color served to symbolize the concept of “life after death”.
Anubis is considered to be one of the oldest gods in Egyptian mythology, and although his role has changed depending on context and time period, he is most commonly associated with mummification, protection of the dead, and resurrection of the dead. soul to the beyond.
It was believed that he held within himself the mysteries of life and death, and that he assisted in the process of weighing the heart of a soul against that of the “pen of truth”. this mystical process was believed to determine which souls had gained access to the afterlife and which would be devoured by the goddess ammit.
Although Anubis’ most popular role was associated with the transition from this life to the next, he was also known to fiercely guard the tombs of the dead from the living.
in egyptian mythology, anubis is famous for his victorious battle against his evil father set (also known as “seth”), the god of chaos and deception. It was believed that in his war against Set, Anubis had branded his skin with a hot iron, a story later believed to explain why the leopard’s skin was adorned with spots.
It is said that Anubis then flayed Set, using his tainted skin as a warning to those who dared disturb the tombs of the deceased. Priests working with the dead in ancient Egypt were known to wear leopard skins as a way of paying homage to Anubis’ victory over evil.
the meaning of anubis tattoos
The meaning of anubis tattoos can vary greatly depending on the wearer. some choose to adorn their body with the symbol of anubis in remembrance of the journey of a loved one.
Others choose the symbol to express their spiritual beliefs regarding the afterlife, or as a symbol of protection against evildoers and agents of chaos and disorder.
Some see their anubis tattoos as symbols of the duality of death, giving way to the idea that a physical death is just a transition to a new way of life.
Regardless of the personal meaning behind this powerful symbol, Anubis in his many representations works to create a stunning Egyptian-inspired tattoo rich in possible interpretations and spiritual depth.
also read: what makes isis and horus smile? egyptian tattoos
Depending on the design motif you choose, your anubis tattoo can be easily modified to convey your own personal connection to the god of the underworld. anubis can be depicted holding the golden scale to symbolize purity of spirit, or for those looking to wear a tattoo that wards off evil, anubis in leopard skin is also a great choice!
main locations for anubis tattoos
anubis hand tattoo
anubis hand tattoos work wonderfully to show off the detailed head of the god of death and the afterlife.
Many have chosen to include the Egyptian symbol of the “ankh” within this design, an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents the key to eternal life.
anubis tattoo on the forearm
If you’re looking for a larger piece, an anubis tattoo on the forearm is a perfect placement to add more detail to the design.
Many have chosen to include the Egyptian “staff and flail” within this design, a symbol that represents the principles of mercy and severity, or in other words, spiritual notions of guidance and transcendence through struggle.
The forearm provides a prime landscape to incorporate more unique and custom symbols into the design and can work as a great start to a sleeve!
anubis head tattoo
if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, or like a shaved or partially shaved hairstyle, an anubis head tattoo can be a really fun placement!
This is ideal for simpler designs that focus on the ferocious jackal head of the Old God.
anubis tattoo on the back
For those looking for inspiration for a great piece, anubis back tattoos really come to life thanks to the sheer size of the canvas. With ample space to illustrate your design, Anubis back pieces can be used to vividly depict a host of stories within Egyptian mythology.
A popular choice for Anubis back tattoos features Anubis alongside the Egyptian god of the sky, Horus. both anubis and horus were known enemies of the treacherous god set.
Tattoos showing these two gods side by side could be interpreted as symbols of protection against evil and incarnations of the spirit world.
Egyptian mythology is rich in stories to choose from when designing your anubis tattoo, and there’s no better place to tell a detailed story than a large back piece!
anubis leg tattoo
While anubis designs can work anywhere on the body, the legs are another prime option for anubis tattoo placement! the side or back of the leg works well to bring your unique vision to life.
If you are looking to incorporate other Egyptian gods and goddesses, the back of the legs is a perfect place to display the images side by side.
anubis and osiris tattoos have become popular as a way to represent the concepts of death and rebirth. In Egyptian mythology, Osiris was brutally murdered by his brother. Anubis then reassembled Osiris’s body and took him to the afterlife.
It was after this process that Osiris assumed the role of Anubis as god of the underworld, although they continued to work side by side.
Exploring the different roles of the gods and their relationship to each other can inspire a truly unique tattoo that works perfectly on the legs.
“eye of anubis” tattoos
many of us are familiar with the “eye of horus” tattoo design, but little is known about this symbol’s connection to the god anubis.
The eye of horus was used in ancient egypt as a symbol of protection, good health, and royal power, commonly displayed on amulets, sarcophagi, and the tombs of the dead. this symbol was believed to offer the soul a safe passage to the next life.
in this way, we can see how this symbol has been associated with anubis, the ruler of the afterlife and god of mummification. The personal meaning of an “eye of anubis” tattoo can vary depending on the wearer. It can easily be used as a symbol of protection, a symbol of transcendence to another plane of existence, or a representation of the afterlife.
horus and anubis tattoos
in egyptian mythology, horus is the half brother of anubis and the god of the sky. Horus is also associated with the sun and the moon and is considered the avenger of evil and the defender of order.
horus and anubis tattoos take on powerful symbolic meaning as they both have ties to the mysteries of what lies beyond this plane, and both care about justice and protection from evil.
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Many people have chosen to work various Egyptian symbols into horus and anubis tattoos, from images of pyramids to detailed ankhs and the corresponding hieroglyphics. both defeated the nefarious god put in battle, which makes these symbols the perfect representation of “good against evil”. Whatever your personal opinion of these mystical beings, there is a plethora of mythology to choose from when creating your unique anubis and horus tattoo!
more anubis tattoo designs
Looking for more anubis tattoo ideas? Whether you want a full color anubis tattoo or are considering a black or tribal piece, we’ve got you covered. Check out our picks for the best anubis tattoos below!
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