Bes (Apath)

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As the guardian of marriage and a protector of households, Bes had a wide appeal through all levels of Osirian society, and most houses, rich or poor, had a statue or carving of Bes to watch over the family and household. An amiable and inclusive deity, Bes encompasses all types of families under his protection, and is both a god of childbirth and a defender of children. He is the guardian of sleep, protecting against evil spirits and all manner of dangerous beasts, from scorpions and snakes to lions and crocodile s.

Bes appears as an ugly, bandy-legged dwarf, with a large head, big eyes, a full beard, and an open mouth with a comically protruding tongue. He wears a headdress of ostrich feathers and a lion skin cloak. In contrast to the other gods of Ancient Osirion, who were usually shown in profile, Bes was always depicted facing forward. Bes is friendly with most of the other Ancient Osirian gods, but always keeps a watchful eye out for Apep and Set and their servants.

The fool finds pleasure in life and protects those who shun responsibility—making the responsible seem the fools.

Bes has few temples and ordained priests, but his joviality makes him popular among bards, professional performers, and serving boys and girls, who also view him as a patron of music, dance, and sexual pleasure, and such worshipers frequently wear small tattoos of Bes for protection and luck. Pregnant women and new mothers also pray to him to watch over their children. Though Bes has few proper temples, simple shrines to the Guardian Fool can be found in many Osirian cities, particularly in entertainment districts.

Alignment: NG god of households, luck, marriage, and protection

Weapon: hunga munga

Pathfinder Domains

Community (Family, Home), Earth (Caves), Good (Agathion), Luck (Imagination), Protection (Defense).

External Links

• Bes at Pathfinder Wiki.