Anubis
A shadow from the ancient sands, mistaken for a spirit of the Other Place.
In the magical history of this universe, Anubis is a figure from Earth's ancient mythology, entirely distinct from the Djinn. While often conflated by those unfamiliar with true magic, he represents no origin point for summoning; Djinn are spirits hailing solely from the Other Place, unrelated to any human pantheon or dead gods.
- type
- Mythological Figure
- origin
- Earth (Egyptian Mythology)
- status
- Non-Existent in Magic
- affiliation
- None
Lore & Background
References to ancient gods like Anubis often appear in the historical footnotes of magical texts, usually as a point of confusion for novice magicians. The series firmly establishes that Djinn are not remnants of Earth's dead pantheons but entities from the Other Place. While Babylonian traditions are cited as the oldest formalized source of summoning techniques, Egyptian rituals hold no foundational power over the binding of spirits.
In Their Own Story
Dust motes danced in the single shaft of light piercing the British Museum archive. A young researcher brushed away centuries from a crumbling papyrus, her fingers trembling over hieroglyphs that seemed to shift under her gaze. She wasn't looking for Bartimaeus or Nektanebus; she was hunting for the names that came before them. As she traced the symbol of the jackal-headed god, the air grew cold, and for a heartbeat, the silence of the room felt heavy with judgment from ages long past.
Reader's Guide
The magic system in this world is rooted in historical summoning traditions, heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian practices. Magicians bind spirits known as Djinn, but these entities trace their lineage back to a time when they were revered as gods or powerful nature spirits. Alexandria serves as the historical cradle for much of this lore, where the earliest binding rituals were developed. Names like Nektanebus reflect this Egyptian heritage, linking the current magical hierarchy to its ancient roots. While deities such as Anubis are not active participants in modern conflicts, their mythology underpins the rules of magic. The distinction between a bound Djinn and an ancient god is vital; one serves, while the other represents the raw power from which the system emerged.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Nektanebus' does not exist in canon; it is likely a fabrication conflating historical Pharaoh Nectanebo with false lore regarding Djinn naming conventions.
- Alexandria is not cited as the birthplace of summoning magic; Babylonian traditions are generally referenced as the oldest within the series' magical history.
- Djinn are distinct spirits from the Other Place and have no biological or spiritual connection to Earth's dead gods like Anubis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who exactly is Anubis within this magical universe?
Anubis is an ancient Egyptian deity from human mythology rather than a magical entity summoned by magicians. He exists only in historical records and stories, not within the actual magic system of London or Cairo.
Is Anubis considered a Djinn spirit?
No, Anubis is completely separate from the Djinn who inhabit the Other Place. The spirits used for summoning have no connection to human gods or ancient pantheons like the Egyptian one.
Can magicians summon Anubis using their spells?
Magicians cannot summon Anubis because he is not a spirit residing in the magical realm. Attempting to call upon him would yield nothing, as true magic draws power solely from Djinn sources.
Why do some people confuse Anubis with Djinn?
Confusion arises because both concepts involve ancient spirits and mythology, leading novices to mix up human legends with actual magical history. Those unfamiliar with the rules of summoning often mistake earthly gods for entities from the Other Place.
Does Anubis play a role in the trilogy's plot?
He holds no active role or power within the events of the story, serving only as a point of distinction between myth and magic. His existence is limited to human history rather than the supernatural conflicts faced by the protagonists.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in the Bartimaeus universe
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