TAWERET

[Egyptian] "The Great One". A very popular Egyptian hippopotamus goddess of childbirth. She is a domestic deity who is portrayed on beds and on pillows. Pregnant women commonly wore amulets bearing the goddess's image. Taweret assists women in labor and wards off demons (hence her scary appearance). She was often found in the company of the dwarf god Bes, who had a similar function. She was depicted as part woman part hippopotamus, with sagging breasts, a swollen belly, and the head of a hippopotamus. Sometimes she also had the legs and arms of a lion, and the tail of a crocodile. She was often depicted holding the Sa amulet symbolizing protection. Also called Opet.