The gods’ fear of Ammit stems from her unique role as the devourer of souls. In ancient Egyptian mythology, she is depicted as a fearsome creature with the head of a crocodile, the front body of a lioness, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. However, her appearance alone does not explain why the gods hold her in such dread.
Ammit’s true power lies in her ability to judge the souls of the deceased. When someone passed away, their heart would be weighed against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice. If the heart was found to be heavy with sin, it would be devoured by Ammit, thus ensuring the soul’s eternal destruction.
Unlike other deities who might show mercy or forgiveness, Ammit never spares anyone who has sinned or has the potential to sin in the future. This includes both the sins committed in the past as well as those that one might commit in the afterlife. Her uncompromising nature and the finality of her judgment make her a terrifying presence to the gods and mortals alike.
The fear of Ammit is further heightened by the understanding that once she is unleashed or freed, a vast majority of the population would be wiped out. This realization adds to the gods’ trepidation, knowing that even their divine status cannot shield them from Ammit’s judgment. It is this fear that keeps them in check and motivates them to maintain order and uphold the laws of Ma’at.
In the context of Moon Knight, the reference to Ammit and the older woman’s death when Arthur holds her hand in the first episode suggests a glimpse into the brutal and unforgiving nature of this fearsome deity. The fact that she claims a soul even in the presence of a god-like figure emphasizes the power and inevitability of her judgment.
The gods’ aversion to Ammit is rooted in her unwavering commitment to punishing sin and the certainty of her judgment. Her role as the devourer of souls strikes fear into the hearts of both the gods and mortals, as no one is exempt from her scrutiny. The gods understand that once Ammit is unleashed, she will indiscriminately consume the souls of those deemed unworthy, leading to a significant reduction in the population. It is this knowledge that fuels their fear and drives them to prevent her release at all costs.