Hapi

   1) Alternative spelling for Serapis, the Egyptian bull god.

   2) Androgynous Egyptian god of the Nile. He wore a crown of papyrus plants in the north, and one of lotus plants in the south. His fertility was indicated by pendent breasts. The Nile, over which Hapi presided and which was called by his name, formed a part of the great celestial stream over which the boat of Ra, the sun god, sailed daily. It encircled the earth, from which it was separated by high mountains. At one place, however, was the throne of Osiris, near to a fissure through which the waters reached the earth. The other end of this aperture was said to be near the first cataract between two mountains near the islands of Elephantine and Philae. Owing to the dominating role played by the Nile in the life of Egypt, Hapi gradually increased in importance until he joined the Great Company of Gods.

   3) One of the four sons of Horus, the others being Amset (Imset), Duamutef and Qebhsneuf (Qebehsenuf), who guarded the four cardinal points and protected the viscera. Hapy was guardian of the north cardinal point and protected the lungs. He is shown with the head of a dog.