Bes: Ancient Protector & Nightmare Deflector

“Bowie was an adventurer, bold and brave by day. It was only in the nighttime that his courage went away. . .” Take one imaginative boy, turn out the light, unleash the stuff nightmares are made of, and what do you get? Insomnia!! That is, until one night when Bowie experiences a close encounter of the weirdest kind with Bes - ancient Egypt’s legendary "Guardian Against Nightmares." While Bes touts an impressive resume, including protecting young King Tut from things that went bump in the night, will this pint-sized hero of old be able to vanquish all the creepy creatures who seem to be lurking in Bowie’s room? About Bes: Stubby and full-faced, this under-sized and over-stuffed member of the ancient Egyptian pantheon is easily recognized by his feathered headdress and protruding tongue. Because he was believed to ward off all manner of misfortune, Bes was long celebrated as the "Champion of Everything Good and Defender Against Everything Bad." Way to go, Bes! Bes had many duties, including his role as guardian against nightmares and dangerous creatures of the night. Likenesses of Bes (poised and ready to chase away any nasty night beasts that may come calling) can still be seen decorating the bed and headrest of Egypt's famous boy-king, Tutankhamen . . . Did you know that in ancient times, mothers would draw a likeness of Bes on the palm of their child's left hand just before bedtime, then wrap that hand in linen to activate the protective powers of this fierce little guardian? You may want to try this the next time you have trouble sleeping. Hello, Bes. Goodbye nightmares!

Shelli Wright Johnson is an attorney by trade, but a life-long enthusiast of ancient Egypt by natural design. A frequent traveler to Bes's ancient homeland and other places throughout the world where our pint-sized hero has left his mark, Shelli lives and practices law in northwestern Indiana. For more information about Shelli (and Bes) and their continuing adventures, go to www.bespress.com.