Description
“Hippo” Art Greeting Card from the Watermark “Eternity” card range. Image reproduced from an old photo slide and paired with a humorous quote “If a hippo can become a goddess then….things are looking up”.
Taweret was the hippopotamus goddess of ancient Egypt, celebrated for her protective and nurturing powers. She was usually portrayed as a female hippopotamus with a large belly and prominent breasts, symbols of fertility and motherhood. Often, her image also featured the tail of a crocodile and the paws of a lioness, combining traits of strength and ferocity to guard against harm.
Taweret was especially venerated as the guardian of childbirth, watching over pregnant women and young children. Her influence extended beyond life into death, as she was linked to the rebirth of the soul in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptians believed she had the power to drive away evil spirits and ensure safety during vulnerable moments. With her mix of gentle care and fierce protection, Taweret embodied the balance of nurturing life while defending it from danger, making her a beloved and enduring figure in Egyptian mythology.
