Apis Egyptian mythology: Encyclopedia II - Apis Egyptian mythology - The Ka of Ptah

Apis Egyptian mythology - The Ka of Ptah

Apis was originally the Ka (power/life-force) of Ptah, the chief god in the area around Memphis. As a manifestation of Ptah, it was considered also to be a symbol of the pharaoh, embodying the qualities of kingship. Since Ka is also the word for bull, Apis was said to manifest itself as a real living bull, which, after death, reincarnated itself into a new bull.

The bovines in the region in which Ptah was worshipped exhibited white patterning on their mainly black bodies, and so a belief grew up that the Apis bull had to have a certain set of markings suitable to its role. It was required to have a white triangle upon its forehead, a white vulture wing outline on its back, a scarab mark under its tongue, a white crescent moon shape on its right flank, and double hairs on its tail.

The bull which matched these markings was selected from the herd, brought to a temple, given a harem of cows, and worshipped as an aspect of Ptah. His mother was believed to have been conceived by a flash of lightning from the heavens, or from moonbeams, and was also treated specially. At the temple, Apis was used as an oracle, his movements being interpreted as prophecies. His breath was also believed to cure disease, and his presence to bless those around with virility, and so he was given a window in the temple through which he could be seen, and on certain holidays was lead through the streets of the city, bedecked with jewelry and flowers.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The Ka of Ptah", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki