The Skin of the Gods

by Phil Armstrong

  The wall paintings show Wepwawet with the head of a grey wolf. He has white fur, recognizing his lupine origins. He is depicted as a soldier, carrying a mace and a bow. Atef-Khent was renamed Lycopolis by the Greeks, meaning the City of Wolves. The shifting sands of time had merged Wepwawet into Anubis. He was now the God of the Dead, in the Ogdoad system of belief. Time loses the trail of facts. Time creates it’s own trail of facts. Many scholars today believe a Nesu fabricated the character of Wepwawet to become more wolf-like. We know better. Ancient Nesu’s were Gods, portrayed in human form. They had access to information that mere mortals could only dream about. They could see things that mortals could not see. Irrelevant of time’s murky recollection, Wepwawet was a powerful wolf guide, who provided safe passage through the underworld of Duat. Wepwawet would act as a messenger of the Gods, moving between the underworld and the mortal world. Anubis would weigh the hearts and Wepwawet would guide the souls: the jackal and the wolf.

  Ete had studied both the jackal and the wolf; he knew their powers and respected them both. It was a difficult time; the recently deceased Nesu was extremely popular. Doubts were beginning to surface about his heir. Would this change cause famine, disease and war? The deceased Nesu was a great leader, connected strongly with the Gods of the underworld. He had brought peace and prosperity for many years and the people loved him. Ete wanted to do an immaculate, flawless job. He had worked long and hard preparing the body. Ete had toiled for weeks in a dark candle lit tomb. He had held this trusted position for many years and had worked in tombs throughout his life. With no direct sunlight, it was cold and he shivered pulling his cotton wrap tightly around his shoulders.

  His health was failing and the hostile conditions made him sick. Poor ventilation and a lack of sunlight challenged his frail body. For a second, his eyes struggled to adjust to the dim light. He reached for a shiny metal instrument, missing it with his hands. The pointed instrument fell from the stand, it hit the stone floor with a deafening sound. It echoed throughout the stone chamber, deep within the ground. The pungent odor from the embalming fluids raced through his nostrils, overwhelming his senses. The lack of light, sleep and food, added to his sudden weakness. Ete’s knees buckled, as if kicked by a camel. He joined the instrument face down on the cold stone floor. His breathing intensified and he felt his life force ebbing away. He did not resist, for death was no stranger. He did not fear death, for he knew what the next steps were. He knew his heart was in balance with the feather of Ma’at. Anubis would soon welcome him to Duat; he would cast a wry smile to Ammit as Wepwawet guided him to Aaru.

  In his fume filled mind, Anubis appeared as a frightening vision. He had a man’s muscular body and the black snouted head of a jackal. Wearing a collar of blue and gold stripes, his eyes were bright yellow and pierced the soul. Anubis helped Ete to his feet. His mouth remained closed, but his voiced echoed within Ete’s mind. Anubis explained to Ete; his time had come too early. He needed to return to the mortal world, to complete the Opening of the Mouth ceremony for the deceased Nesu. Anyone else would surely make a mistake and this could not be tolerated for such a great Nesu. Anubis moved his large hand to the base of his collarbone, at the neck. He grabbed a pendant, supported by a thick gold chain, from around his neck. Yanking on the chain, he ripped it from his neck allowing the chain to fall to the ground and melt like butter. In his other hand he held a decorative gold box. He placed the pendant within the box and closed the lid with his large fist. He extended his strong muscular arm and allowed the box to sit upon his outstretched open palm. He offered Ete the box and the pendant. Contained within the protective box was an Amulet; a pendent made from a polished black material and shaped like a jackal’s head.

  “This will keep you healthy. Keep it safe and return it to the Nesu when you have completed your life in the mortal world.” Anubis explained to Ete the great power of the Amulet and its origins. Anubis pressed the box into Ete’s hand. He closed Ete’s fingers around the object. As Anubis faded into the deep recesses of Ete’s mind, he knew he needed to wake. He needed to return to the mortal world and resume the preparation of the deceased Nesu’s body. He could see a bright light ahead and although his legs remained still, he moved towards the light. It was as if his mind moved his body. He was close now and could feel the heat emanating from the light. He entered the light and was about to pass through, when he suddenly became aware of a presence. A loud snarling noise sent a shudder through his entire being. It was the sound of a wild animal but it was not from the mortal world. A beast from the underworld did not want Ete to return. He dare not look backwards and hastened his journey through the light, towards the heat.

  Ete could hear the beast gaining on him with every passing second. He gripped the Golden box tightly and strained towards the light. He could feel the beast approaching, as if the ground were shaking underneath him. He felt fear. The beast did not want to let him go. He was gaining ground and his progress felt slow and heavy. Like emerging from a fog, Ete finally broke through the light, accompanied by a stench and a snarl that would haunt him for the rest of his life. He felt a blistering pain, as a large razor sharp claw wounded his lower leg. He had made it through but the beast had sliced his calf with three deep scratches. The claws had raked his calf and severed the leather strap of his sandal.

  As the pain registered, he managed a fleeting look backwards and saw a sight he would never forget. Wepwawet, in the form of a large wolf, was tracking an errant soul trying to return to the mortal world. Wepwawet had nearly caught him. He had escaped by the narrowest of margins. The snarling snout, hot breath and muscular frame, belonged to a powerful wolf. The “Clearer of the Ways” was annoyed at letting a soul escape without judgment. Ete was in awe of Anubis; he had nightmares about Wepwawet, for the remainder of his days.

  Ete woke, still lying on the cold stone floor. The pain in his calf screamed through his mind like a pack of jackals fighting over fresh meat. He glanced downwards at his injured leg. Blood poured from the deep wounds. Small pools of blood trickled into the deep tile crevices of the stone floor. Still holding the boxed Amulet in his hand, Ete instinctively grabbed his calf. He squeezed the sliced flesh together and applied some pressure. He flipped open the lid of the Golden box and grabbed the polished Amulet. The Amulet came into contact with the wound; an acute burning sensation followed. Ete let out a scream that echoed around the chamber. The noise was amplified into a deafening roar. The pain was unbearable. His leg responded, as if plunged into a fire. As a child, Ete had stayed too long in the mid-day sun. He recalled his badly burnt back. This reminded him of that night, lying in bed trying to get comfortable. After the pain came a sudden coolness. This was quite different to that sun burned night. He gripped his calf tighter and it felt cool and sticky. The pain had subsided and the blood had dried upon his leg. Ete picked up the Golden box, he moved to his feet easily, supporting his weight. His damaged leg felt no pain.

  He placed the Amulet upon a small table. He gently placed the box next to it. He reached for a water soaked cloth carefully placed near the deceased Nesu’s body. Using the cloth, he washed away the dried blood from his calf. The water streamed into his leather sandal. He kicked the sandal to one side and looked at his scarred leg. He had three long scars running the length of his calf; they were white and completely healed. He had worked with bodies his entire life; he knew what old scars looked like. His leg had the look of scars healed over a ten-year period.

  Ete washed the remaining blood stains from his leg and felt the wounds. He rolled the calf muscle to see if the wound would open under pressure. The flesh held tight, his leg was completely healed. He glanced at the Amulet. “This will keep you healthy,” he recalled. He felt strong and vibrant. His dimming eyesight was sharp and he cold read the markings on the far tomb wall. He had not felt like this for years. He picked up the Amulet and placed it into a pouch attached to his belt. He grabbed the Golden box and covered it with a cloth. Ete looked at the floor trying to loc
ate his missing sandal. He reached down and picked up the damaged sandal. Upon inspection, he noted the leather heel strap had been cut clean through. Something caught his eye, something unusual. He tilted the leather heel on an angle raising the base of the sandal closer to his face. Embedded deep within the heel was a large claw. The end of Wepwawet’s claw had snapped off as he tried furiously to snare Ete’s leg. The air around the claw was hot; the claw was hotter. He could see plumes of air heating up. The cool air licked the claw only to rise upwards like serpents writhing through the tall grass. They danced in spirals as they made their way towards the cooler air. Ete licked his fingers and reached for the claw. His saliva made a hissing noise as his fingers gripped the claw. He pulled gently and the claw broke in half, still malleable from the heat. He placed the end of the claw on the table. He dug his fingers into the leather and retrieved the other half of the claw. Both pieces had cooled by the time Ete had retrieved a cloth, to wrap his precious souvenir. He placed the cloth into the same pouch. Ete had four artifacts from Duat. These artifacts were from the Gods themselves. He had been instructed to keep the Amulet safe; it would bring him health. This would allow him to complete the preparations needed to send the deceased Nesu to the underworld.

  Ete knew the Amulet had healed his leg. He knew the Amulet made him feel young and vital. How long would this effect last? Who made that decision? He had been given a chance to conclude his immediate activities; he knew he must fulfill that obligation. After completion of his duties, it would be an uncharted journey. He would not have to listen to the unenlightened anymore. There was no doubt for him anymore; the Nesu have a direct relationship with the Gods. Often, they would communicate with the Nesu through dreams or meditation. Many in the general public were suspicious, claiming this to be a fraud. They would not openly say this for fear of death. The Nesu was a powerful leader and would not tolerate open dissent. A hardcore group sought to discredit the Nesu and formed secret societies with interesting names. They were formed in backrooms to discuss the possibilities of an alternate power structure. The Nesu had a divine route to the Gods. This divinity was seriously questioned during periods of famine, drought and bad omens. A strong Nesu would quell this type of discourse but some groups attempted murder. They plotted to kill the Nesu, using poison or other means.

  Many tried to persuade vulnerable palace staff, who had access to the Nesu, or his food and drink supply. Some almost succeeded but the Nesu had food tasters, with strict security measures for protection. Ete had experienced something that he would never forget. He knew for certain that the Gods existed, that the Nesu were here to do their mortal bidding. Anubis had decided that this Nesu deserved to have the best possible preparation. He wanted him to have a smooth and glorious transition to the underworld. Ete could ensure this; his failing health had prevented him from completing his meticulous preparations. His understudy would have completed the job, it was clear that he would have made mistakes. These small omissions were thought to have serious consequences in the afterlife.

  Anubis had given Ete the Amulet and the box, to ensure safe passage. Ete’s health had improved, he was able to complete his duties and train his understudy. Ete lived for another 20 years. When it was his time to go, the Nesu recognized his service as a high priest and chief embalmer. He was afforded a special tomb, with preparations well above his status. He looked forward to meeting Anubis; he was confident of a balanced heart. The feather of Ma’at balanced the scales perfectly; Anubis waved Ete willingly into the underworld. Wepwawet was there to guide Ete to his final destination. Before he was released, Anubis questioned Ete about the Amulet. Ete explained that when he had fallen ill, he made arrangements to talk with the Nesu. He had described his recollections of that fateful afternoon, 20 years earlier. He described the Amulet’s powers and its famous origins. He personally presented the Amulet and the Golden box to the grateful Nesu. The Nesu promised to keep them secure. The Gods are not supposed to leave traces of their powers in the mortal world. If knowledge of the Amulet became widespread, then Anubis would be severely chastised by more powerful Gods.

  Ete had lived up to his obligation; he had managed to follow his last instructions to secure the Amulet. The young Nesu had seen Ete’s improvement with his personal health; he now understood its cause. He had no reason to doubt the Amulet’s powerful effects.

  The young Nesu was now 29 years old. He remembered his Father passing when he was only nine years of age. His recollections were still vivid and hurtful. He knew that Ete had done a masterful job of the Opening of the Mouth ceremony. He had achieved perfection with the preparations to transition his Father to the afterlife. He remembered Ete fondly; he respected his life and his counsel. It was early morning in the royal palace. Each day, the young Nesu would start with a private meditation. He walked into a small, dark, private room. It was sparsely decorated. The Nesu had left strict instructions that noone was to enter this room, ever. He was never to be disturbed in this room - never. He would thank the Gods for his existence and concentrate on clearing his mind of mortal clutter.

  He would often meditate, as a way of connecting with the Gods and his spiritual guides. After his usual morning meditation, the young Nesu walked out onto a balcony, overlooking the royal courtyard. He rested his forearms on the hot stone balcony. He tilted his face upwards to catch the early morning sunrays. Today was hot; the sun warmed his bare shoulders. Beads of sweat instantly formed on his dark skin. His brain functioned slower in the mornings, still calmed from the mental exertion of meditation. As the day wore on, he became more mentally alert and connected with his mortal realities. His sluggish senses started to recognize an intense heat permeating the soles of his feet. The stone balcony floor had absorbed the morning heat with no welcoming shade. It returned this heat willingly to the soles of his bare feet.

  “It’s too hot,” he said hopping around. Shifting his weight from one foot to another, he moved his focus outwards across the courtyard. The sun’s brightness challenged his sensitive eyes. He squinted, narrowing his eyes in an attempt to cut the glare. He moved his eyebrows, to try to provide some natural shade. It was not enough. He lowered his gaze to his broad chest. The black polished Amulet was suspended from a gold chain around his neck. The chain started to feel warm in the sunlight. The Amulet lay flat against his chest. The polished black material seemed to pulse healing energy into his body. He felt strong, like a God residing in the mortal world. He would lead his country proudly and he would lead it well. The Nesu knew he possessed an artifact of great power, a gift from the Gods. He had promised to keep it safe and he would. The Amulet would remain around the Nesu’s neck at all times. This was often dangerous; Gods became fashionable but would often fall out of favor. Regimes change and public opinion changes. At times, it was not prudent to be seen with an adornment favoring Anubis. The Nesu would hide the Amulet from view but kept it close to him at all times. He lived a long and prosperous life, before handing down the Amulet to his successor. This tradition repeated several times, before it finally was handed to King Narmer, the Catfish King.

  In Ete’s final days, he became quite ill, suffering from fever and violent spasms. Ete’s brother Adu often cared for him; he comforted him during this time. When Ete asked Adu to contact the Nesu, he was reluctant.

  “Are you insane? My dear brother, what makes you confident the almighty Nesu would travel here to see you?”

  Ete could hardly talk. His mouth was parched and his tongue dry. With some effort, he managed a response. “Ask for him. Please, I’m sure he will come.”

  “Even if he does, what will you tell him? It needs to be good. If you waste his time, he’ll be angry and annoyed. He’ll exact his annoyance upon our family. He’ll kill me for making the request or do something even worse.”

  “I know what to say. I have information that…” Ete fell into a spasm so violent, he could not continue.

  “You need to convince me. You need to tell me what you’ll discuss. I can�
�t risk my life, and that of my family, so you get an audience with the Nesu before you die.” Adu looked worried and tried to weigh the consequences.

  “You have to. I can’t tell you why; I’ll assure you, the Nesu will not be pleased if you don’t. You’ll stand a chance of far greater reprimand, if you don’t do as I ask.”

  “So I can’t win. Thank you brother; I never could win with you. Even as children growing up, I could never win with you.”