Regarded as a deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, this bizarre hybrid beast usually appears as a hippopotamus with the head of a wasp, and is often said to be spiteful and to represent malicious intentions. The hippopotamus was associated with chaos and destruction on Egyptian culture, and the wasp was regarded as dangerous and irritating. However, it has also been linked with Bes, a more benevolent goddess that protects homes and offers good luck during childbirth.
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