Sekhmet is a fascinating and complex goddess from Egyptian mythology, often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a lioness’s head. She’s known as a goddess of war, destruction, and healing, which gives her a dual nature that can be both nurturing and terrifying. One of her most problematic traits is her ferocious temper, particularly seen in the myth where she nearly destroys humanity.
In the story, Ra, the sun god, becomes angry with humanity for their disobedience and sends Sekhmet to punish them. Her bloodlust becomes so intense that she threatens to annihilate all of humanity. To stop her, Ra tricks her by dyeing beer red to resemble blood. Sekhmet drinks it, becomes intoxicated, and falls asleep, sparing humanity from total destruction.
This story highlights her uncontrollable rage and power but also emphasizes the need for balance. Despite her violent tendencies, she was also revered as a protector of the pharaohs and a healer. Egyptians believed her wrath could be invoked against enemies, but they also called on her to cure illnesses and protect the land from disease.
Elder G
How Old is Sekhmet?
History The first known unambiguous reference to Sekhmet has been found in mortuary complex of Nyuserre Ini of the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt [25th century BC]. She seems to have been a comparatively minor figure in the old kingdom becoming much more significant in the new kingdom.
Worship During an annual festival held at the beginning of the year, a festival of intoxication, the Egyptians danced and played music to soothe the wildness of the goddess and drank great quantities of beer and wine ritually to imitate the extreme drunkenness that stopped the wrath of the goddess—when she almost destroyed humanity.
Comparative scholarship In the 1960s it has been argued that the Hindu goddess Kālī, who is first attested in the 7th century CE, shares some characteristics with some ancient Near Eastern goddesses, such wearing a necklace of heads and a belt of severed hands like Anat, and drinking blood like the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet and that therefore that her character might have been influenced by them. A myth describes how Kali became ecstatic with the joy of battle and slaughter while killing demons, and refused to stop until she was pacified by her consort, Shiva, who threw himself under her feet.
In the myth, Sekhmet’s bloodlust was not quenched at the end of battle, and this led to her going on a bloody rampage that laid Egypt to waste and almost destroyed all of humanity. To stop her, Ra and the other gods devised a plan. They poured out a lake of beer dyed with red ochre or so that it resembled blood. Mistaking the beer for blood, Sekhmet drank it all and became so drunk that she gave up on the slaughter and returned peacefully to Ra.
Rumor has it that, back in the day, our very own Brett Kavanaugh used to hang with Sekmet.
Sekhmet’s Many Moods
Rage
Duality
Protectoress
Beauty
Modern Day Mythical Sekhmets
WLBOTT: Are there any modern day mythical women who could be compared to Sekhmet?
Elder G: Yes, several modern-day mythical or fictional women share qualities that can be compared to Sekhmet’s dual nature of destruction and healing. Here are a few:
Wonder Woman (Diana Prince)
As a warrior of the Amazons, Wonder Woman embodies both the nurturing and protective instincts of a healer and the destructive power of a warrior. She is often portrayed as a fierce fighter in battle, while also using her compassion and wisdom to foster peace, much like Sekhmet’s dual roles.
Storm (Ororo Munroe) from X-Men
Storm is a character who wields the power to control the weather, which can bring destruction in the form of lightning storms and hurricanes but also life through rain and wind. Her connection to nature and leadership within the X-Men echo Sekhmet’s dual roles of destruction and healing.
Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones
Daenerys, like Sekhmet, possesses a strong sense of justice and power, but her actions often walk the line between nurturing leader and ruthless destroyer. She frees slaves and fights for the oppressed, but her fiery wrath also devastates her enemies.
The Bride (Beatrix Kiddo) from Kill Bill
Beatrix is a mother and a fierce assassin, displaying both nurturing qualities and the ability to unleash devastating violence. Her journey for revenge parallels Sekhmet’s vengeful aspect, while her protective side toward her child mirrors Sekhmet’s healing nature.
Rey from Star Wars
Rey embodies both a fierce warrior and a compassionate healer. Her connection to the Force allows her to fight and defend but also to heal and restore life. This duality can be seen as a modern parallel to Sekhmet’s powers of destruction and restoration.
