Akhekh
_MET_EG546_(cropped).jpg) An Akhekh pulling an archer's chariot over two crocodiles on the Metternich stele | |
| Creature information | |
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Axex, Akekhu |
| Similar entities | Hippogriff, Griffin |
| Origin | |
| Country | Ancient Egypt |
| Habitat | Deserts |
| Part of a series on |
| Ancient Egyptian religion |
|---|
 |
 Ancient Egypt portal |
The Akhekh (also transliterated as Akekhu) is a legendary creature in Egyptian mythology and art.[1] Ancient Egyptian myth writes of the Akhekh living in the deserts west of the Nile.[2]
Etymology
[edit]The name comes from kkw, the Egyptian word for darkness.
Appearance
[edit]All descriptions of the creature have it as a quadruped with bird's wings, though different sources diverge: one description is that of an Oryx with a bird's wings and beak as well as serpent's tail,[3] while French archaeologist Paul Pierret gave it in a book of his as a winged lion akin to the griffin of European mythology.[4]
The Akhekh is often depicted as a dragon with a serpentine shape and a crocodile-like snout,[5][6] though other interpretations portray it with a bird-like head, resembling the griffin or hippogriff (and the axex may be the same as it).[2][6] Additionally, it is often interpreted as a seclusive dragon or serpent of darkness, as well as a creature of the night.[5][6] A common trait of the Akhekh is that its body resembles an antelope and its head is adorned with three uraei (snake heads).[2]
Role
[edit]The Akhekh was associated with the god Set, as well as his domains of darkness, the western desert, chaos, and water. Much like the Sha, it was either an ally of the god or an incarnation of Set. It also symbolised power and strength of the pharaoh during wartime, such as Ramesses II being compared to the Akhekh as he conquered the Hittites and terrorised them. The Metternich stele in particular depicts an Akhekh pulling an archer's chariot over two crocodiles.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 abookofcreatures (2021-02-01). "Akhekh". A Book of Creatures. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- 1 2 3 Watkins, Sarah-Beth (2024). A History of Dragons Their Influence on Life and Culture. Pen and Sword History. p. 36. ISBN 9781399058858.
- ↑ Budge (2013-10-28). Gods Of The Egyptians - 2 Vols. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203040713. ISBN 978-0-203-04071-3.
- ↑ Gosselin, Guy (1989). "Guillen, Pierre. L'expansion (1881-1898). Paris, Imprimerie Nationale, Coll. « Politique étrangère de la France 1871-1969 », 1985, 525 p. Duroselle, Jean-Baptiste. La décandence (1932-1939). Paris, Imprimerie Nationale, Coll. « Politique étrangère de la France 1871-1969 », 1985, 571 p. Duroselle, Jean-Baptiste. L'abîme (1939-1944). Paris, Imprimerie Nationale, Coll. « Politique étrangère de la France 1871-1969 », 1986, 615 p." Études internationales. 20 (2): 480. doi:10.7202/702530ar. ISSN 0014-2123.
- 1 2 Massey, Gerald (1881). "A Book Of The Beginnings Vol 2". Williams & Norgate. 2: 58, 61, 150, 236, 631, 640, 655.
- 1 2 3 Krensky, Stephen (2020). The Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 32. ISBN 978-0-2414-2395-0.
