The Mummy Returns Inspired Dog Names

While some of the most famous animal associations with ancient Egypt largely deal with cats, dogs were also considerably important to the ancient Egyptians. Outside of being hunters, many canines also elevated to the level of companions, leading to consistent mentions in mortuary texts. If all that wasn’t enough, the Egyptians are also credited with created one of the first dog collars and leashes, a testament to their seemingly equal desire for control and care. 

But one of the most famous dog-based characters of the era actually had very little to do with the niche they carved out for themselves in the daily lives of many Egyptians. In fact, since his creation, Anubis has been atop one of the most prolific hierarchies of the ancient world.

Although there seems to be much debate over what type of animal Anubis portrayed, most experts seem to agree that he was either a jackal or some type of wolf, both of which were common animals to be seen around Egyptian civilizations. In fact, it is believed that Anubis came into being in his best-known form because jackals were often seen near Egyptian burial sites, leading many to believe that they looked over the dead. Others yet seemed convinced that the jackals’ presence is the reason that so many tombs were nearly labyrinthian — as a measure against both grave robbers and scavengers looking for food.

Whatever the case, Anibus held an extremely important role in the belief system of the ancient Egyptians. Like those of Greek origin, there were many stories that surrounded him and helped to create his status as a pivotal figure within the mythology. He was, until the rise of popularity of Osiris, known to be the god of mummification and the afterlife. During some of the earliest Egyptian periods, as early as the First Dynasty, he was depicted as a protector of graves with significant embalming abilities as well. 

His status as overseer was honored so thoroughly that many priests would wear a mask of his head when performing their duties as a tribute to him. And although he seemed to share very few qualities with some of his canine fellows (granted, he did also have the body of a man), two of his strongest traits, acting as a guard and proving to be one of the most loyal figures of the mythology, certainly fall right in line with many canines we’ve come to know and love today.