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In a legend in the [[Pyramid Texts]], as punishment for his rebellion and overthrow of Osiris, Set was transformed into a sacrificial red ox (some legends say a red goat). His foreleg (''xpS'') was cut off and thrown into the sky where it became Meskhetiu (''Msxtyw''), a group of seven stars in the northern sky (likely either Ursa Major or Ursa Minor). | In a legend in the [[Pyramid Texts]], as punishment for his rebellion and overthrow of Osiris, Set was transformed into a sacrificial red ox (some legends say a red goat). His foreleg (''xpS'') was cut off and thrown into the sky where it became Meskhetiu (''Msxtyw''), a group of seven stars in the northern sky (likely either Ursa Major or Ursa Minor). | ||
The foreleg was not only a protective god, but it was also a lasting symbol of power and strength, especially of strength in the afterlife. Thousands of blue or red foreleg | The foreleg was not only a protective god, but it was also a lasting symbol of power and strength, especially of strength in the afterlife. Thousands of blue or red foreleg [[amulet]]s have been found wrapped in the bandages of mummies across all periods of Egyptian history, and drawings of ''Msxtyw'' feature prominently alongside the [[Egyptian decans|decanal stars]] in the Middle Kingdom Period coffins. | ||
During the Old Kingdom Period, it was common for the Pharaoh to wrestle a red ox in public to display his physical prowess and fitness to rule over the land. The foreleg of the defeated ox was severed and consumed as a symbol of his continued strength. | During the Old Kingdom Period, it was common for the Pharaoh to wrestle a red ox in public to display his physical prowess and fitness to rule over the land. The foreleg of the defeated ox was severed and consumed as a symbol of his continued strength. |