Bes is a Name of Netjer who has been beloved throughout Kemetic history because He guards the household. He protects people while they sleep and watches over children and women, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.
Hieroglyphs of Bes's Name
Bes has a strange and frightening appearance in order to scare away evil things. He looks like a dwarf with the mask and tail of a lion. Sometimes He has wings or a tall crown of feathers, and He often sticks out His tongue. He is shown from the front and not the side, which is unusual in Kemetic art.
[picture of Bes]
Bes scares away snakes, scorpions, and evil spirits by dancing, making noise, and playing music. He also carries knives, swords, and the sa-symbol of protection. Bes's protective image was put on amulets, beds, headrests, and other household objects. It was also painted on the walls of rooms. He protected not only private homes, but also royal palaces and holy temples.
In later periods, Bes was associated with the child Heru and His powers of healing. Figures of Bes appear on many healing statues of Heru the Child, along with prayers and heka inscribed in the stone. Water poured over these statues became filled with healing properties and was then used by the sick.
At all times, Bes has been associated with laughter, happiness, protection, and fertility. His fearsome image protects those He loves and keeps them safe from harm. Here is a lovely prayer to Bes, written by Imakhu Sedjemes:
Dear Bes, with Your wand You protect me.
Stand by me while I lay me to sleep.
Sit by me while I enter dreams.
Wave Your wand over my head,
To keep me in peace at home.
Wave Your wand over my feet,
So that I do not dream far from home.
When I sing, dance with me.
When I play, laugh with me.
Please protect me, please protect me.
Keep me safe with my family.
Watch over me, dear Bes.
Test your knowledge!
[click on question to see answer]
1. What does Bes look like?
2. Who does Bes protect?
3. How does Bes protect people?
