How did the Egyptians refer to the cat and the snake, and who always wins? - briefly
The ancient Egyptians revered both cats and snakes, often associating them with divine entities. Cats were linked to Bastet, the goddess of protection, warmth, and motherhood, while snakes, particularly cobras, symbolized royalty and protection, often seen adorning the crowns of pharaohs. In folklore, the cat typically outsmarts or defeats the snake, reflecting its favored status in Egyptian culture.
How did the Egyptians refer to the cat and the snake, and who always wins? - in detail
The ancient Egyptians held both cats and snakes in high regard, attributing significant symbolic meanings to them. Cats, particularly, were revered and considered sacred animals. They were often depicted in art and associated with the goddess Bastet, who was typically portrayed with a cat's head. Bastet was worshipped as the protector of homes and families, embodying qualities such as grace, independence, and motherhood. The Egyptians believed that cats possessed divine powers and could bring good luck to their households. This reverence for cats extended to their treatment; killing a cat was considered a grave offense punishable by death.
Snakes also held important symbolic meanings in ancient Egyptian culture. They were often associated with the goddess Wadjet, who was depicted as a cobra and served as the protector of Lower Egypt. The Uraeus, a rearing cobra, was an emblem of royalty and divine authority, frequently seen on the crowns of pharaohs. Snakes were also linked to renewal and rebirth due to their ability to shed their skin, symbolizing the cycle of life and death that the Egyptians believed in.
In terms of who "always wins" between a cat and a snake, this is more a matter of cultural interpretation than factual reality. In ancient Egyptian mythology, there is no explicit narrative pitting a cat against a snake. However, the symbolic roles they played can offer some insight. Cats were domestic companions and protectors, while snakes represented power and royal protection. Thus, in a symbolic sense, both could be seen as "winning" in their respective domains—cats within the home and family, and snakes in the realm of divine authority and protection of the state.