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Glite Dictionary
Bes

Bes

1 9.9
A small ancient Egyptian god who protects the home, mothers, and children and appears in music and dance
  • proper noun
  • /bɛs/
  • Literature
translation icon : Bes
  • The statue of Bes was placed at the entrance to protect the family from evil spirits.

Examples

  • In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bes was worshipped as a guardian of households and children.

  • Ancient Egyptians believed that Bes would bring joy and music to their homes.

  • For example, they adopted as their own the Egyptian god Bes, the protector of women and goddesses in childbirth, who adorns one of the Mut Temple's gateways.

    Academic text (2006)

Surface Forms

Bes main

Etymology

Bes is the name of an ancient Egyptian household god who was shown as a small, fierce figure and who 'protected' mothers, children and homes while also being linked to music and dance. So, when you see Bes in a museum or story, it means that protective, joyful little god people kept close to their families.