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Bes

Bes is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with household protection, childbirth, and the well-being of the family. He is typically depicted as a stocky dwarf with a large head and a protruding tongue. In some images he wears a lion's skin or simple adornments, emphasizing his role as a protective, approachable figure rather than a distant cosmic god.

Bes was especially popular in domestic settings, and his cult was centered in homes rather than major

In ritual and daily life, Bes is understood as a guardian of mothers during childbirth, of children,

A female counterpart named Beset is sometimes identified as his consort in later periods, reflecting a broader

temples.
Amulets
bearing
his
image
were
among
the
most
common
protective
objects
in
Egyptian
households,
and
his
likeness
appeared
on
furniture,
walls,
and
other
household
items
to
ward
off
evil
and
invite
good
fortune.
The
cult
endured
from
the
New
Kingdom
onward
into
the
Graeco-Roman
period,
reflecting
widespread
resonance
with
his
practical
protective
function.
and
of
entertainers,
aligning
with
his
associations
with
music,
dance,
and
family
life.
His
humorous
and
vigorous
image
was
thought
to
deter
malevolent
forces
while
also
symbolizing
domestic
joy
and
protection.
array
of
protective
imagery
connected
with
Bes.
Overall,
Bes
stands
as
a
distinctive
element
of
ancient
Egyptian
religion
known
for
its
accessible,
domestic-centered
worship
and
its
enduring
symbol
of
family
protection.