Ihy - The God of Music

Ihy - The God of Music

The Egyptian god of music, Ihy is said to have played a minor role in the mythology. His name has been mentioned at very few places in the Book of the Dead and on the texts on the Coffin. he represented childhood, joy and music. As a child god, Ihy was known to complete the view of gods being connected as a family.

Appearance of Ihy

At the Dandera temple in the Mammisi, Ihy is represented as a young boy who is naked. He wore side locks of braided hair which show that his age was not more than 14 years. One of his hands is seen holding a finger to his mouth while in the second he holds a Sistrum which is a rattle made of bronze or brass and is sacred. He is shown wearing the sacred menat necklace and a white and red Pshent crown which is decorated with the uraeus.

 Some more about Ihy

Ihy was often referred as the Sistrum player where the sistrum is said to have close link with Hathor who was also his mother. No temple specifically to the name of Ihy has been found but he was worshipped in the temple of Hathor located in the Dandera temple complex as the son of Horus and Hathor. His appearance in the coffin texts and as lord of bread in the Book of Dead is seen and was in charge of beer because maybe due to Hathor’s association with intoxication and beer.

The Royal Family

Even being a minor god in Egypt. But Ihy is said to have an impressive family tree. He is said to be the child of Horus, Isis, Sekhmet or Neith. Later on it was confirmed that Ihy was the first child of Ra and Hathor. His position as a perfect child made Ihy very loved in the family. Even being represented beautifully in all texts but Ihy was said to have been feared in ancient Egypt. Even being a child god Ihy was still seen with great respect.

Conception and birth of Ihy have been memorialized in the birthing house at the temple of Hathor at Dandera. Also Ihy along with his siblings were significant in transforming the perception of Hathor being a vengeful goddess and after this she was also known as a kind and loving mother.

Various names and  mentions of  Ihy

Ihy as the god of music represented the playful side of childhood. He was often viewed as actual joy that came after playing the sistrum and in Upper Egypt playing sistrum was an important part of the worship of Hathor. Ihy over time was linked with much more than music. His connection with Hathor transformed him into a god of pleasure, lust and fertility. He was also referred as the Lord of Bread as in charge of beer and many Egyptians believe that in order to connect with god Hathor the person must become intoxicated first and worshipping Ihy in this way can help in reaching his mother.