Domains & Iconography
Domains: Abydos, necropolis
Iconography: jackal standard, mummiform
Abydos Before Osiris
Khentyimentiu appears as an early necropolis lord at Abydos, predating or running parallel to Osiris’ centrality. Standards and titles testify to a continuous guardianship of the western realm.
Merge with Osiris
As Osiris becomes pre‑eminent, Khentyimentiu’s epithets and functions fold into Osirian liturgy; the older title persists as memory of place‑based funerary authority.
Legacy
Stelae and standards preserved in museums let us see a layered Abydos, where older guardianship dignified the later mythic king.
Sources & References
See also
Wepwawet
Jackal god leading processions and opening paths; early cult at Asyut and Abydos.
Meretseger
Protectress of the Theban necropolis and artisans of Deir el‑Medina; punishes and heals transgressors.
Anubis
Jackal god of embalming and necropolis guardianship; overseer of the weighing of the heart.
Sokar
Memphite funerary god who later unites with Ptah and Osiris; guardian of tomb realms.