Religious pantheons from all around the world are becoming a part of MCU as it grows. Since the beginning, the Asgardians have been present. One may claim that the ancient Egyptian religion first appeared in the film ‘Black Panther,’ in which Sekhmet was named and Bast appeared during the exposition. The pantheon is given a lot more attention in ‘Moon Knight.’
Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the Moon, who also appears in the series, is channelled via the titular figure (Oscar Isaac). The season’s major opponent appears to be Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), the leader of a cult dedicated to a deity named Ammit. This is what you need to know if you’re wondering if Ammit is based on a real Egyptian divinity like Bast or Sekhmet. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.
Is Ammit a Genuine Egyptian God?
While there is a divinity named Ammit in ancient Egyptian mythology, she is not the same as Arthur asserts. When Steven refers to her as the “world’s first bogeyman,” he isn’t far off the mark. Ammit is both a demon and a goddess, according to legend. She possesses the head of a crocodile, the forequarters of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. She is a funeral deity who is linked to the god of death, Anubis, and the Scales of Justice.
When the dead arrive in Duat, the Egyptian afterlife, Anubis weighs their heart on the scales against Ma’at, the goddess of truth’s feather (which resembles an ostrich feather). If the heart is lighter, the person who possesses it receives entry to Aaru, or the Fields of Reeds, Osiris’ celestial kingdom. If the heart proves to be heavier, Ammit devours it, leaving the unlucky soul to wander aimlessly for the rest of eternity. Ammit was given the titles “Eater of Hearts,” “Great of Death,” and “Devourer of the Dead” as a result of this.
Ammit’s name means “devourer” in English, which is an accurate translation. However, it can also be interpreted as “bone eater.” Ammit exemplifies her pantheon’s complexity. Although she was not worshipped in ancient Egypt, her symbols and images were thought to be strong anti-evil weapons. She was regarded as a force of order despite her appearance and function. People were bound to follow Ma’at’s path simply because she existed.
Her characterization is nearly identical in Marvel comics (where she is known as Ammut or Ammitu). She even hooks up with Khonshu to take on Marc Spector at one point. The creators of ‘Moon Knight’ appear to have given her more significance. She appears to have the same authority and power as the Egyptian god Anubis. Her followers all have scale tattoos on their arms, which represent the Scales of Justice.
Arthur seemed to have gained some abilities from her. He judges two of his fellow cult members using the scales. While one goes away, the other, an elderly woman, does not and dies as a result. Ammit was later imprisoned after being deceived by other gods and her own avatar, according to Arthur. By releasing her, the cult appears to be attempting to establish a new world order.
Also Read: Moon Knight: What Does The Scales Tattoo Stand For?