Neith

Neith is an ancient Egyptian goddess whose roles span war, hunting, and weaving. One of the earliest deities in Egyptian religion, she appears in various myths as a creator or primordial goddess as well as a protective mother figure. Her cult was especially associated with the city of Sais in Lower Egypt, though she was venerated throughout the country.

Origins and roles: In several traditions Neith is described as a creator who formed the world from her own body and thought. Over time her character broadened to include war and hunting, while weaving and crafts remained important aspects of her worship. She was seen as a goddess who could grant victory in battle, skill in weaving, and support for mothers and families.

Iconography and symbols: Neith is commonly depicted as a seated or standing woman who sometimes wears the red crown of Lower Egypt. In many representations she bears weapons such as a bow and shield, reflecting her warlike aspect. She is also associated with weaving, and some imagery shows a loom, shuttle, or net as symbols connected with her craft and protective function.

Cult and legacy: Temples and cult centers dedicated to Neith operated from the Old Kingdom onward, with significant devotion at Sais during the late period. Her worship persisted into Greco-Roman times, where Neith was sometimes identified with other goddesses of war or wisdom in certain syncretic traditions, including occasional associations with Athena in some sources. Neith’s imagery and hymns contributed to later Egyptian religious art and literature, illustrating the diverse and enduring nature of her cult.

In contemporary scholarship, Neith is treated as a multifaceted deity whose domains of creation, protection, and craft reflect broader themes in ancient Egyptian religion.