What were the names of the cats of the goddess Bastet? - briefly
The names of the cats of the goddess Bastet are not explicitly recorded in ancient Egyptian texts, as they were often revered collectively rather than individually.
What were the names of the cats of the goddess Bastet? - in detail
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, was often depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat. She was revered as a guardian of the household and a symbol of grace and power. While specific names of her sacred cats are not explicitly recorded in historical texts, cats in her temples were treated with immense reverence and were considered her earthly manifestations. These temple cats were often cared for by priests and were believed to carry her divine essence. The Egyptians did not typically assign individual names to animals in the same way they did to humans, but cats associated with Bastet were collectively honored as sacred beings. They were adorned with jewelry, provided with luxurious care, and even mummified upon death to ensure their passage into the afterlife. The absence of specific names does not diminish their significance; rather, it underscores the collective veneration of cats as embodiments of Bastet’s divine presence. This cultural practice highlights the deep connection between the goddess and her feline companions, who were seen as protectors and intermediaries between the divine and mortal realms.