Egyptian dwarf god believed to guard against evil spirits and misfortune.
In contrast to the other Egyptian deities, who were usually depicted
in profile, Bes was depicted full face. He was shown to be ugly and
grotesque in appearance, with a large head, protruding tongue, bow
legs and a bushy tail. He bore a plumed crown and wore the skin of
a lion or panther.
Despite his appearance, he was a beneficent deity and his appearance
was meant to scare off evil spirits. He bore swords and knives to
ward off evil spirits, as well as musical instruments which he used
to create a din which would frighten them off.
Bes aided the hippopotamus goddess Taweret
in childbirth. He was originally the protective deity of the royal
house of Egypt, but came to be a popular household deity throughout
Egypt.
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