Anubis Guardian of the Underworld in Egyptian and West Asian Mythology

**Anubis: Guardian of the Underworld in Egyptian and West Asian Mythology** Anubis, the iconic jackal-headed deity, holds a prominent place in the pantheon of ancient Egyptian and West Asian mythology as the god of mummification, death, and the afterlife. Revered for his role in guiding souls to the underworld and overseeing the embalming process, Anubis symbolizes the transition from life to death and the rituals that ensure the preservation of the deceased. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis is depicted as a key figure in the judgment of souls. He weighs the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice, during the ceremony known as the “Weighing of the Heart.“ If the heart is lighter than the feather, the soul is deemed worthy to enter the afterlife and achieve eternal bliss. If not, it faces the peril of being devoured by the monstrous goddess Ammit. Anubis also plays a crucial role in the mummification process, overseeing the e