Role of Anubis:
Anubis was a funerary god. His task came to be holding the scales on which the heart was weighed. If the heart was lighter than a feather, the dead would be led by Anubis to Osiris. If heavier, the soul would be destroyed.
Parents of Anubis:
Anubis is referred to as the child of Nephthys and Set or Osiris.
Alternative Names of Anubis:
Anubis may also have been known as Ienpw, Anpu, Anup, and Wip.
Appearance of Anubis:
Anubis is the jackal-headed god of Egypt. His head may actually be a mixture of dog and jackal, either one of which could have been found at the edge of deserts by the cemeteries.
Antiquity of Anubis:
The cult of Anubis is very ancient, probably pre-dating that of Osiris. In parts of Egypt, Anubis may have been more important than Osiris. See: Anubis. As well as being ancient, the cult of Anubis lasted a long time, continuing into the second century A.D., and is a feature in the Golden Ass, written by the Roman author Apuleius.
Isis, Horus, and Anubis's Mother Nephthys:
Anubis' mother Nephthys exposed her son. Instead of dying, he was found by Isis, who then raised him. Anubis became the attendant of Isis.
Anubis may have been identified with Horus.
