Well-known for his ferocity and martial aspects, Sobek also reveals a deity whose healing and protective aspects have a profound capacity to shield and restore. His crocodilian nature contains a guardian’s strength and a healer’s grace, offering safety from threats and remedies for affliction. He protected kings, communities, and the dead, his divine presence healing.
There are many recorded prayers to Sobek asking for protection, rooted in his violent power turned outwards to protect Egypt from its enemies. His guardianship is vividly political, where he supports kingship as a protector of pharaohs and the state. In PT Spell 301, he bestows the wrrt-crown, symbolizing royal authority. Along with his divine protection bestowed on kings comes his role as sa-per, a position analogous to our modern policeman, that enforces order and smites rebels.
For ordinary Egyptians too, Sobek was prayed to for protection. Very on the nose, he guarded fisherman and farmers against crocodiles, an apotropaic figure against crocodile attacks in general. In the New Kingdom, papyri of favorable and unfavorable days depict him as a ‘beneficent god’ who shields against misfortune, a protector whose great power defends both people and the divine order.
His protective role complements his healing one, a god of vitality who “gives all health”. Supplicants approached him for healing during his festivals and processions, with his oracular responses at Soknopaios addressing health concerns, among many other prayers for blessings and good favor.
His protective healing extends to the afterlife, as he safeguards and restores the deceased, cleansing and protecting the dead from harm.
Dua Sobek 