Hapi, one of the four Sons of Horus, was the ancient Egyptian deity specifically associated with the protection of the lungs.
In the intricate process of ancient Egyptian mummification, internal organs were carefully removed to preserve the body for the afterlife. These organs, with the exception of the heart which was typically left in place, were then preserved separately and placed into special containers known as canopic jars. Each of the four Sons of Horus was assigned the role of protecting a specific organ.
For the lungs, the designated protector was Hapi. He was often depicted with the head of a baboon and was responsible for guarding the respiratory organs, ensuring their integrity for the deceased's journey into the afterlife.
Here's a breakdown of Hapi's specific role:
Hapi's Role in Organ Preservation
During mummification, after the internal organs were extracted, they were treated and then placed into canopic jars. The jar intended for the lungs was placed under the protection of Hapi.
| Deity | Protected Organ |
|---|---|
| Hapi | Lungs |
This system underscored the ancient Egyptian belief that every part of the body needed to be preserved and protected by divine entities to guarantee a complete and successful transition to the eternal realm.
