Sekhmet, Egyptian Goddess of War, Destruction, Plague and Healing
Often pictured as a woman with the head of a lioness, Sekhmet was known as a fierce huntress. Though known to be a violent goddess, she was also a remarkably skilled healer. She could issue pestilence to those who wronged her, but also provided cures and healing.
Closely associated with Hathor and Bast. Said to be a daughter of Ra. Her husband was the creator god Ptah and her son Nefertum, god of sunrise.
Sekhmet was dedicated to the teachings of Ma’at, and was an arbiter of justice for Osiris.
She is closely associated with the pharaoh and his kingship, and protected him in times of war.
Her most enduring myth is as follows: Ra, angry at the waywardness of man, ripped out his eye and threw it down to earth. Thus was Sekhmet born to exact justice upon mankind. But her bloodlust was great, and Ra realised his mistake; soon there would be no men left. But none could calm her. So Ra filled a lake with beer and pomegranate juice, tricking her into believing it blood. Sekhmet drank the lake and fell asleep, the next morning awaking docile once more.
Sekhmet in the 6th Age
Current Incarnation: Morven Kinnaird