Sekhmet
Sekhmet is an Egyptian goddess of war, disease, and healing, depicted as a lioness or a woman with a lioness’s head.
Eye of Ra: A divine force associated with the sun god Ra, often embodied by a dangerous goddess who punishes his enemies. Sekhmet is one of the principal goddesses identified with Ra’s fearsome, protective eye.
Destruction of Mankind: An Egyptian myth in which Ra sends the Eye of Ra to punish humanity, and Sekhmet nearly destroys it. The story explains Sekhmet’s bloodlust and the divine strategy used to stop her.
Ancient Egyptian medicine: The medical knowledge and healing practices used in ancient Egypt. Sekhmet’s priests and divine power were associated with preventing and treating illness.
Egyptian mythology: The body of myths about gods, creation, kingship, and the afterlife in ancient Egypt. Sekhmet’s stories belong to a mythic world where gods could change forms and roles.
Hathor: An Egyptian goddess associated with love, music, motherhood, and joy, sometimes linked with the Eye of Ra. The myth of Sekhmet’s pacification connects her with Hathor’s gentler aspects.
Memphis, Egypt: An ancient Egyptian city that served as a major political and religious center near modern Cairo. Memphis was a principal center of Sekhmet’s worship.
Pestilence: A widespread outbreak of infectious disease that causes substantial illness or death. Sekhmet could send epidemics, so propitiating her was a way to avert disease.
Ra: The ancient Egyptian sun god, associated with creation and kingship. Sekhmet’s destructive mission in myth is an expression of Ra’s power.
Ma'at: The Egyptian principle and goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order. Sekhmet’s violence could defend the order Ma’at represented, but also threaten it.
Temple of Mut: A temple complex at Karnak in Thebes dedicated to the goddess Mut. Its precinct contained numerous Sekhmet statues, linked to rites seeking her protection.