Egyptian God Anubis

Anibus was the Egyptian god of the dead - the equivalent of the Greek god Hades. Learn all about him below, and then download our colouring pages and story paper to back up what you have learned.

Introduction to Anubis

Anubis was a very important god in Ancient Egypt. He had the body of a man and the head of a jackal, which is a type of wild dog. Anubis was known as the god of the dead and the protector of graves.

What Did Anubis Do?

Guardian of the Dead
Anubis had a big job! He made sure that people who had died were taken safely to the afterlife, which the Egyptians believed was a wonderful place where people could live forever.

Mummification Expert
Have you heard of mummies? Anubis was the god of mummification. When someone died, the Ancient Egyptians would wrap their body in cloth to make a mummy. They did this because they believed it helped the dead person reach the afterlife. Anubis watched over this whole process to make sure it was done correctly.

Weighing of the Heart
In Ancient Egyptian belief, when a person died, Anubis would help weigh their heart against a feather. This feather represented truth and justice. If the heart was lighter than the feather, it meant the person had lived a good life and could go to the afterlife. If it was heavier, they couldn't go. Anubis made sure this important test was fair.

Why Was Anubis Important?

Anubis was important because he helped protect the dead and guided them to the afterlife. People in Ancient Egypt wanted to be sure that Anubis was happy with them, so they often left offerings like food and drinks at his temples.

Fun Facts About Anubis

• Anubis is always shown with the head of a jackal because jackals were often seen in cemeteries. The Egyptians believed that Anubis protected the graves from being disturbed by these animals.
• The ancient Egyptians had many gods, but Anubis was one of the most important because everyone wanted to have a safe trip to the afterlife.
• Anubis’s favourite colour was black, which represented the colour of mummified flesh and the fertile soil of the Nile River.

Anubis was a fascinating and important god in ancient Egyptian culture. He protected the dead, oversaw mummification, and ensured that people could reach the afterlife. Next time you see a picture of a man with a jackal’s head, you’ll know exactly who it is—Anubis, the guardian of the dead!

Our Anubis Printables