The Myth of the Egyptian Goddess Hathor

Ancient Egypt worshipped many gods and goddesses, each of which had their own mythical story. Most pulled multiple duties. Such is the case with the goddess Hathor who reigned over womankind, fertility, and motherhood.

Like is often the case with myths, the stories about Hathor are widely varied. Many believed that it was Hathor who gave birth to the other Egyptian gods and goddesses. In these instances, it would make her both mother of as well as daughter to her own son (Re).

Others say that Hathor was responsible for the birth of all living gods on earth; represented by Egypt's kings and pharaohs. Still others called her the mother of the world.

Hathor was often portrayed with the face of a cow or as a human female wearing the horns of a cow with a circle between them. The circle represented the sun which was Re, her first born. The significance of Hathor's association with the cow is that the animal nurtures its young with its milk much as Hathor nurtures her people with her benevolent love.

The daughter of the Sun God, Re, Hathor was sometimes depicted in association with him. Some called her the "eye of Re" believing that she watched over mankind much as a mother watches over her children.

However, others believed that the goddess only watched mankind so that she could report their sins back to her father Re. Many claim that the concept of the all seeing "evil eye" began with Hathor. These followers saw the goddess as a raging, vengeful goddess, not as a benevolent mother. This Hathor was more often pictured in the form of a ferocious lioness.

No matter which version of Hathor was embraced, one thing remained constant; her connection with that which gives meaning and quality to life. Hathor's powers were believed to be unusually strong. She was often referred to as a celestial goddess or even the mistress of heaven itself; all knowing and all seeing.
Hathor had dominion over many aspects of life including love, beauty, joy, pleasure, sexuality and happiness. She was also the goddess of music and dance.