Plaque with figure of Sobek, ca. 400-30 BCE
Sobek
Origin: Ancient Egyptian mythology
Combination: human + crocodile
Classification: Reptile
Other Names: Sebek, Sobki, Souk
Associations: fertility, protection, Nile River
Sobek is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with the Nile River, fertility, and crocodiles. He is often depicted as a man with the head of a crocodile or as a full crocodile. Sobek is revered as a powerful and protective deity, known for his strength and ferocity. He is regarded as a guardian of the Nile, overseeing its annual flooding and ensuring the fertility of the land.
Sobek's crocodile form represents both the dangers and the life-sustaining aspects of the Nile River. In Egyptian mythology, he is considered a force of chaos that must be appeased, as well as a source of blessings and abundance. Sobek is also associated with military prowess and is often invoked for protection and victory in battle. As a symbol of primal power and fertility, Sobek represents the untamed forces of nature and the cyclical rhythms of life and death.