Tradition / Region: Egyptian mythology
Alternative names: Hesat, Hesat-Hathor
Category: Cow, Deity
The Myth
Hesat is a divine cow who provides milk to humanity, the pharaoh, and the sacred bull gods. Her milk was called the beer of Hesat and was regarded as a source of nourishment and life. She was especially connected with Mnevis, the sacred bull of Heliopolis, whose mothers were buried in a cemetery dedicated to Hesat.
In the Pyramid Texts, Hesat is described as the mother of Anubis and of the deceased king. She was regarded as a manifestation of Hathor and was commonly represented as a white cow, associated with purity and the life-giving milk she provides.
During the Ptolemaic period, Hesat became closely associated with Isis.
Sources
“Hesat.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesat