053 Cow Goddess Hathor

Museum Description: The Goddess Hathor

Room: 4/Case: None/Number: EA 948

Scripture: Exodus 9:6

The second female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, is depicted as the goddess Hathor at her famous temple next to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.  She first married her half-brother Tuthmose II, but when he died she then married her stepson Tuthmose III in order to retain the throne.  She would have been his wife, step-mother and aunt all at the same time!  Hathor was the cow goddess, so the fifth plague of a pestilence on all the cattle of Egypt would have exposed her lack of power, due to the fact she does not exist!  Hathor's birthday was said to be New Year's Day.  This was celebrated with a great festival as she was also the goddess of music and dancing.  It is easy to see how this festival evolved into the modern day New Year's celebrations.  Hathor was also the Queen of the Dead, helping them to get to heaven.