Mandulis
Also known as Merwel
Mythology of Mandulis
Mandulis is local solar
god of the Lower Nubian region, whose actual Egyptian name
was Merwel, this god is usually called Mandulis - the Greek
version of his name. Little is known of the god's origins or
early history but his nature was undoubtedly solar, and a
late text known as the 'Vision of Mandulis' euates him quite
naturally with Horus and with the Greek god Apollo. He was
also equated with the Greek Helios and at Philae he was
called the 'companion' of Isis.
Iconography of Mandulis
Mandulis was depicted in
anthropomorphic form wearing a crown of ram-horns, sun disks
and cobras surmounted by tall plumes. He could also be
represented in the form of a human-headed bird, not unlike
the Egyptian ba bird, but earing the god's complex
characteristic crown.
Worship of Mandulis
Although he was worshipped
throughout Lower Nubia, the best evidence for the cult of
Mandulis is found at New Kalabsha where the god is
represented along with various Egyptian deities on the walls
of the re-sited Roman Period temple. The remains of a chapel
dedicated to the god may also be seen adjacent to the
eastern colonnade of the Great Temple of Isis at Philae.
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