Bes

/bɛz/ noun

Definition

An ancient Egyptian deity depicted as a short, squat, bearded figure, known as a protector of women and children.

Etymology

From ancient Egyptian Bes or Bisu, of uncertain origin but possibly related to Ethiopian traditions or a root meaning 'protection.' The god appears in Egyptian art and literature from around 1450 BCE onward.

Kelly Says

Bes is wildly unusual as an Egyptian god—he's ugly, funny-looking, and doesn't fit the graceful aesthetic of most Egyptian deities, yet ancient Egyptians loved him fiercely, especially mothers who invoked him for protection, showing that not all gods needed to be beautiful.

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