Sekhmet

Sekhmet (pronounced "SEKH-met") is an ancient Egyptian deity, often depicted as a lioness, representing war, healing, and destruction. She is one of the most powerful and revered deities in the Egyptian pantheon, embodying the fierce and protective aspects of the sun god Ra. Sekhmet's name is derived from the Egyptian word "Sekhem," which means "power" or "might," reflecting her formidable nature. In Hebrew, her name can be transliterated as סכמט, though she is not a figure in the Hebrew Bible or Jewish tradition. In other languages, her name is translated as Sekhmet in French and German, and as セクメト (Sekumeto) in Japanese. Key contextual information about Sekhmet includes her role in the myth of Ra's vengeance, where she was sent to punish humanity for their disobedience but was eventually stopped to prevent the annihilation of mankind. She is also associated with the goddess Bastet, with whom she is sometimes syncretized, representing the dual aspects of the divine feminine in Egyptian religion.