Serket

Meaning & Etymology

She who causes the throat to tighten

She who causes the throat to tighten

Etymology

Derived from the Ancient Egyptian word srq, meaning ‘to cause to tighten’ or ‘to constrict’, combined with the suffix -t indicating a feminine deity.

Linguistic family: Afro-Asiatic > Egyptian

Cultural context

Serket was an important goddess in Ancient Egyptian mythology, often depicted as a scorpion or a woman with a scorpion on her head. She was believed to protect people from venomous bites and stings and was associated with healing and protection.

Symbolism

The name Serket symbolises protection, healing, and the power to ward off danger. It is closely linked to the goddess’s role as a guardian against venomous creatures and her ability to cure their stings and bites.