Hathor

Hathor was another much-loved Goddess of ancient Egypt. Her name was pronounced in 2 distinct syllables (Hat-hor), rather than with the 'th' blend in the middle. She was closely tied with Isis, as a protector of women, and Goddess of motherhood, love and music. Hathor was a Goddess of the stars and sky, and was usually depicted either as a cow, or a woman with the head of a cow.

Her love of music could be seen as she carried a sistrum (a rattle) with her often. She was particularly loved by the lower-class women, and was usually called upon during childbirth. The Greeks felt she had a great deal in common with Aphrodite.

She was typically a calm and peaceful Deity, but on one occasion was called upon by Ra to punish mankind for not worshipping him properly. He sent Hathor to the task, but she became frenzied with blood-lust and Ra feared that she would destroy all mankind. So he poured beer in the fields, and she drank. She fell asleep, drunk, and forgot about her mission. Hathor did like her ale.

Hathor was the daughter of the sun God Ra, and Nut, the Goddess of the night sky. In her cow persona, she was nurse to Horus when he was a child.

Her main temple was at Dendera in Egypt, where healers and midwives offered services to Hathor's worshippers.