Bes Press Publications
Publications that celebrate an appreciation of the ancients and encourage a lifetime of wonder.
Bes Facts
Facts about Bes, ancient Egypt’s pint-sized hero …
Easily recognized by his gnome-like stature, curly beard, feathered crown, and perpetually protruding tongue, Bes was a unique and popular member of the ancient Egyptian pantheon. Unlike the more familiar gods who were always featured in iconic picture-perfect profile, the undersized and over-stuffed Bes was usually depicted facing forward—perhaps because he lacked a classic “best side.” Celebrated as the full-service protector god who served as the champion of everything good and the protector against anything bad, Bes had a long and impressive list of deity duties, including:
Protector of Women.
Bes was especially important during pregnancy and childbirth when the ancients believed mother and child were most at risk from evil and destructive forces. Images of Bes were often depicted on the walls of birthing chambers, and featured on the semicircular magical (apotropaic) wands of protection and the grotesque masks utilized as defensive magic on behalf of the mother and child during the birthing rituals. Bes can still be seen standing guard atop each of the stone columns surrounding the ancient birthing chambers at Dendara and Edfu.
Protector and Entertainer of Children.
To showcase Bes's power over all manner of misfortune, the Metternich Stela and other such carvings (referred to as Cippus of Horus), depict young Horus clutching snakes and scorpions while trampling a crocodile under Bes's protective gaze. Although known as a fierce fighter and protector, Bes also enjoyed a happy and jovial side and was thought to entertain children by singing and dancing. In fact, the ancients believed that if a baby smiled for no apparent reason, it was because Bes was making silly faces or tickling him. One of the earliest known trickster deities, Bes made good use of his playful side.
Guardian Against Nightmares and Dangerous Animals of the Night.
As a protective deity, Bes was especially adept at vanquishing poisonous snakes and dangerous animals of the night, which explains why decorative likenesses of Bes were routinely carved into ancient Egyptian beds, including the one used by King Tut. It was also common practice for mothers to draw a stylized likeness of Bes on their child’s left palm before bedtime, and then gently wrap the hand in a dark cloth that had been blessed by Isis. This ritual was thought to invite the protective powers of Bes into the child’s dreams for the purpose of warding off the stuff of nightmares, and protecting the sleeping child through the precarious hours of the night.
Patron of Warriors, Hunters and Travelers.
Expanding his role as the Protector of Children, Bes also served as the champion of all under his protection. His fierce face, complete with the ever-taunting tongue, was featured on the shields, chariots and other battle regalia of the ancient Egyptians, and subsequently, the Romans. Soldiers were known to drink beer from Bes-shaped mugs as a deterrent to injury in battle. Moreover, evidence is mounting that Bes was brought to the New World (South America) by the Phoenicians, many centuries before Columbus was born.
Patron of Joy, Music, Dancing and Merrymaking.
In sharp contrast to his fierce protective aspects, the impish Bes was also associated with entertainment, laughter, and happiness. This is due to the ancient's belief in duality; balance in all things. Because of his comical character, it has been theorized that Bes may have served as inspiration for the diminutive court jesters who entertained the royals in medieval times. Frequently depicted playing a harp, flute, or tambourine while singing and dancing, we do know that Bes Festivals were very popular among the ancient Egyptians, and that these events generated a wildly joyful temperament through music and general merrymaking.
Guardian of Families and Keeper of Domestic Happiness.
Unlike the official 42 state gods who could only be approached through the temple priests, Bes was considered a household deity available to everyone. Subcategories of this particular deityduty included his role as a fertility god. In fact, archaeologists have recently discovered a Bes Chamber (also known as an "incubation chamber'') in Saqqara. Women having difficulty becoming pregnant would visit the chamber, perhaps spending the night, in the hope Bes would increase their chances of conception. Bes even had his own oracle in the funerary temple of Seti I at Abydos where questions were submitted to him regarding various domestic concerns. Bes also served a welcome familial role as the “encourager of toilet training.”
Patron of Fashion and Cosmetics.
Who can forget Bes’s stylish leopard skin wrap, rakishly belted with a live snake? As Patron of Fashion and Cosmetics, Bes was often depicted on the handles of brass mirrors, as well as on kohl jars and cosmetic pallets.
God of Good Fortune, Luck and Probability.
The original lucky charm, it was believed that the diminutive Bes brought good luck and prosperity, but only to those who deserved it—an image which was later adapted by the Irish as the illusive Leprechaun. Even today, Bes plays a continuing cameo comic-book role in the Marvel Universe as the god of luck and probability where his superpowers include superhuman strength, longevity and resistance to harm, as well as the ability to create good luck and bend probability to his advantage.
God of Commerce.
As the god of commerce, Bes was charged with the important duty of presiding over and protecting the Merchant Priesthood of ancient Egypt. The Merchant Priests were responsible for assuring abundance by carefully monitoring the flow of goods throughout the land. Aside from the actual physical flow of the material commodities, the ancients also believed these goods were imbued with spiritual powers that helped to maintain the necessary balance of energy. Because of the dwarf-like body of their ancient protector Bes, a short and portly body-type was often seen as a sign that an individual was destined to become a member of the Merchant Priesthood.
Guardian of the Vineyards.
The only known temple in all of Egypt dedicated solely to Bes was found near the ancient vineyards of the Baharia Oasis, where Bes served as the protector of the grapes and dates used in making wine —their most important commodity. The ancients also entrusted Bes with the critical task of protecting the integrity of the finished product. That is why they often stored their wine in Bes-shaped jugs. Bes’s face (with his iconic protruding tongue) was thought to protect the wine from going bad during the fermentation process. In his role as one of the original nature spirits, Bes was probably the inspiration for the Celtic Green Man, who was also depicted in full-face with a dangling tongue.
Guardian Against All Manner of Misfortune.
Coupled with his odd facial features (wide eyes bulging from under raised and bushy eyebrows, a flattened nose with wide nostrils, and full bushy beard), Bes's perpetually protruding tongue was a sign of challenge meant to repulse and frighten away all evil spirits and evil-doers. Bes most likely served as the inspiration for the lolling-tongued gargoyles who continue to protect the cathedrals of Europe, as well as the portals, gates and home entrances throughout the Mediterranean.
Summary
The world has long embraced this pint-sized superhero of old, and continues to pay homage to Bes in books, classroom projects, doctoral dissertations, protective jewelry, and original art work (visit dawndesigns.com). Archaeological discoveries continue, but the more we learn about Bes and his contributions to other cultures throughout the world, the more mysterious he becomes. When and where did Bes really begin? How and when did his influence travel to the far corners of the world? Did Bes inspire the fierce Hakachallenge of the Maori people of New Zealand? Did he have anything to do with the mystical “little people” who frequent the folklore of so many civilizations? It seems Bes still has many secrets to tell. One of the world’s first action-heroes, Bes remains the tiny go-to god who just keeps on going…