Khepri
(Redirected from Khephera)
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The Ogdoad | |
Other Egyptian Gods | |
Anubis |
Khepri |
In Egyptian mythology, the god Khepri was generally depicted as a scarab, which is what the name means.
The scarab beetle is a type of coleoptera noted for rolling dung into spherical balls and pushing it; it is also known for its habit of laying its eggs in animal dung and the bodies of various kinds of dead animals, including other scarabs. Thus, the ancient Egyptians associated the animal with rebirth, renewal and resurrection.
Khepri was a solar deity who pushed the sun (as the scarab pushes the dung) across the sky every day, as well as carrying it safely through the underworld every night.
See also Ra.
Alternative forms of the name: Khepera, Kheper, Chepri, Khepra
References
- Wikipedia (2005). Khepri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khepri). Retrieved March 2, 2005