In Egypt, the hippopotamus is considered a sacred animal only in one specific region: the canton of Papremis. In all other parts of Egypt, it does not hold this special status. This shows once again how religious beliefs in Egypt often depended on local traditions rather than a single rule followed everywhere.
The hippopotamus is a large four-footed animal with a strong and heavy body. It has split hooves like those of an ox and a wide, flat nose. Its mane and tail resemble those of a horse, and it has very large and clearly visible tusks. The sound it makes is said to be similar to the neighing of a horse. In size, the hippopotamus is as large as the biggest oxen. Its skin is extremely thick and tough. When dried, this skin is so strong that it is used to make weapons such as javelins Customized Istanbul Tours.
Sacred Animals of the Nile
The Nile River is home to many animals that are treated with respect by the Egyptians. Otters are found in the river and are considered sacred. Among fish, only two kinds receive special honor. One is called the lepidotus, and the other is the eel. These fish are believed to be sacred to the Nile itself, as the river is the source of life in Egypt.
Among birds, there is one known as the vulpanser, or fox-goose, which is also regarded as sacred. These animals are protected because of their connection to the river and the gods associated with it.
The Phoenix A Rare and Sacred Bird
There is another sacred bird known as the phoenix. This bird is so rare that it is hardly ever seen. The writer states that he has never seen one in real life, only in pictures. Even in Egypt, sightings are extremely uncommon.
According to the people of Heliopolis, the phoenix appears only once every five hundred years. It is said to come to Egypt only when the old phoenix has died. Because of this long cycle, most people never see the bird in their lifetime.
Appearance of the Phoenix
If the pictures are accurate, the phoenix has beautiful and striking colors. Its feathers are partly red and partly gold. In shape and size, it closely resembles an eagle. Because of its beauty and rarity, the phoenix is strongly connected with ideas of rebirth, renewal, and the eternal cycle of life Different Beliefs About the Crocodile in Egypt.
The Legend of the Phoenix and Its Parent
The story told about the phoenix is very remarkable, though it may be difficult to believe. According to tradition, the phoenix travels from Arabia to Egypt. It brings with it the body of its parent bird, which has been completely covered in myrrh, a fragrant resin used in religious rituals.
The phoenix is said to first form a large ball of myrrh, as big as it can carry. It then hollows out the ball and places its parent inside. After that, it seals the opening with more myrrh. In this way, the ball weighs exactly the same as it did before.
The phoenix then carries this myrrh-covered ball to Egypt and places it in the temple of the Sun at Heliopolis. There, the body of the parent bird is buried.
Belief and Tradition
Whether true or not, this story shows how strongly the Egyptians believed in sacred animals and powerful symbols. The hippopotamus, the creatures of the Nile, and the mysterious phoenix all played important roles in Egyptian religion and imagination. These beliefs helped explain nature, life, death, and renewal in a world deeply shaped by the gods.
