The ancient Egyptians recognized the role of the female hippopotamus and honored her as Tawaret, the benevolent goddess of childbirth, protection, and mothers. These gentle caregivers have their own tremendous strength and also a capacity for ferocity, protecting not only their offspring but the offspring of others in the herd from clumsy bulls or predators. The ancient Egyptians recognized this power as well: the pyramids are decorated with sculptures and drawings of the demoness Ammut. She stood by Osiris' side, guarding the entrance to the Underworld with her crocodile snout, lion legs, and hippo hindquarters. The fate of an Egyptian's soul lay with her: the new arrival's heart would be weighed against a feather. If the soul didn't measure up, Ammut (meaning the "Devourer of Evil Hearts") would consume it, resigning its owner to eternal death. So while one hippo protects life, another one waits to judge that life, and perhaps to take it away. Comments and thoughts are always appreciated. Source: Public Broadcasting System Nature. (ret. 2004. June 28.) Hippo Beach : Hippo Goddesses. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/hippo/goddess.html