ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Aker (deity)

Alright, let me explain it to you like you're 5 years old!

You know how people have different beliefs and religions? Well, there are some civilizations in ancient Egypt who believed in many gods and goddesses. One of these gods is known as Aker.

Aker is actually a combination of two animals: a lion and a serpent or snake. Imagine a lion's head on one side and a snake's tail on the other side. This makes Aker look very special and unique.

Ancient Egyptians believed that Aker had an important job to do. They thought that every day, when the sun rises and sets, Aker helps protect the sun. They believed that Aker guards the entrance to the underworld when the sun goes down and when it rises again.

The idea of Aker protecting the sun was really comforting for the ancient Egyptians. They believed that because of Aker's help, the sun can safely travel through the underworld and rise again the next day to bring light and warmth to the world.

In pictures and carvings, Aker is often shown as a symbol of stability and strength. The lion part represents power, including the physical strength of the lion, while the serpent part represents the connection to the earth and the cycles of life, as snakes often shed their skin.

So, basically, Aker is a really special god that ancient Egyptians believed protected the sun and helped it rise and set every day. They thought that Aker's strength and connection to the earth kept everything in balance and made sure the sun could do its job.
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