Mihos Wielder of the Knife
Mihos he who is true beside her
Classification: Neter/god
Region/Culture: North African, Kemetic, Later Egyptian
Associated: war, protection, and weather, as well as that of
knives, lotuses, and devouring captives
The son of the goddess Bastet and the god Ptah. He is depicted in leonine form he was
venerated at the cult center Leontopolis in Lower Kemet which included
enclosures for live lions.
whose name means "he who is true beside her"
A sanctuary in his honor war built at Bubastis by Osorkon
III
He was depicted as a lion or a lion-headed man. When shown
as a lion-headed man, Mihos would wear a short kilt and any one of a number of
headdresses. He would often be shown holding a knife and with a bouquet of
lotuses near him.
He helped Re in the daily battle against Apep. Mihos was a
god of war and a patron of sacred places. A late Greek text described him as a
god of storms and darkness.
As a protector and guardian of Egypt he was given titles
such as the "Lord of the Massacre", the "Lord of Slaughter"
and the "Wielder of the Knife".
The role of Mihos also included upholding the 'Spirit of
Ma'at' upholding the principles of truth, morality and justice. In this role he
was given the titles of "Helper of the Wise Ones" in reference to the
gods Ma'at, Thoth, Seshat and Imhotep and the "Avenger of Wrongs" in
reference to ensuring justice according to the laws of Egypt.
Like his mother Bastet (see picture below), the symbol of
Mihos was the the flint knife or dagger used in ancient Egypt that was called a
Khop. Depictions of Mihos also included him wielding these knives.
