Hathor is a goddess of many things within the ancient Egyptian story.
Known as “The Lady of the West” (referring to the setting sun), and as the ‘Protector of the Dead’ for guiding departed souls.
But Hathor was also a maternal figure and often portrayed as the Divine Mother of the reigning pharaoh.
Hathor was also the babe of music and dancing.
And, of love and sensual pleasures.
But to the everyday people, Hathor was known by a range of titles: “The Golden One”, “She of the Beautiful Hair” and as “The Lady of Drunkenness”, for the joyful swirl of intoxication was part of her worship.
Let me say now, it was a sober day for me.
Hellishly hot.
No beer in sight.
The Hathor Temple at Dendera is Gorgeous
Amazingly well-preserved.
Intact stone roofs, carved pillars, painted ceilings.
Jaw-dropping.
Intense. Overwhelming. In love.
The temple was built during the late-Ptolemaic period and completed during Roman-occupied times.
And, unlike many (older) Egyptian monuments, Hathor’s had close-to-zero reconstructive surgery.
So at around 2000 years old, the ‘Lady of Drunkenness’ is still a beauty – a stunner, and something to treasure and admire.
Travels in Egypt – 2013
