The Sphinx
A limestone monolith facing east, carved from the bedrock of Giza.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, featuring the head of a human and the body of a lion. Carved from the Eocene-aged Mokattam Formation bedrock, it faces east on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, standing as the oldest known monumental sculpture in the country. Measuring 73 meters (240 feet) long from paw to tail and 20 meters (66 feet) high, this monolith is part of the Memphite Necropolis and holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status. While popular myth attributes its destruction to Napoleon's troops, historical examination confirms the nose was removed deliberately with rods or chisels.
- Character
- The Great Sphinx
- Origin
- Ancient Egypt (Giza Plateau)
- Construction Date
- c. 2590–2532 BC (Old Kingdom)
- Dimensions
- 73 m long, 20 m high, 19 m wide
Lore & Background
Archaeological evidence places the creation of the Sphinx during the Old Kingdom, specifically between c. 2590–2566 BC under Khufu or c. 2558–2532 BC under his son Khafre. Scholars remain divided on whether the face represents Khufu, Djedefre, or Khafre, as no contemporary inscription definitively connects the monument to a specific ruler. Originally unfinished in its enclosure and temple, the statue was later revered in the New Kingdom as Hor-em-akhet (Harmachis), or "Horus of the Horizon." Pharaoh Thutmose IV, who cleared sand from its paws around 1400 BC, recorded this act on the Dream Stele, where the deity speaks to him: "I am thy father... I bestow upon thee the sovereignty over my domain."
In Their Own Story
By the First Intermediate Period, drifting sand buried the Sphinx up to its shoulders until Thutmose IV excavated the front paws around 1400 BC. He erected a shrine and inscribed the Dream Stele between them, though the text referencing Khafre was later damaged and flaked off by 1925 re-excavations. Centuries later, in the Graeco-Roman period, the site became a tourist destination; Emperor Nero had it cleared of sand again in the first century AD, accompanied by a monumental stairway over 12 meters wide. Pliny the Elder noted the face was colored red at that time. The last emperor linked to the monument is Septimius Severus around 200 AD, after which Roman power fell and the sands once more engulfed the statue.
Reader's Guide
The name "Sphinx" derives from the ancient Greek Σφίγξ (sphinx), meaning "to squeeze," referencing a beast with a woman's head that strangled those failing its riddle. Medieval Arab writers called it Abū il-Hawl, meaning "father of terror," possibly a reinterpretation of the Canaanite god Hauron, whose name appears in Coptic as Belhib or Balhubah. The original Old Kingdom name is unknown due to incomplete construction. In 1931–32, Émile Baraize dismantled the Roman stairway. Today, the monument stands with its nose missing, a result of deliberate chiseling rather than cannonfire, and remains a focal point where the past meets the desert's enduring silence.
Did You Know?
- The Sphinx is carved directly from the limestone bedrock of the Mokattam Formation.
- Contrary to popular myth, Napoleon's troops did not destroy the nose; evidence points to deliberate chiseling.
- Thutmose IV recorded clearing sand from the paws around 1400 BC on the Dream Stele.
- The Roman Emperor Nero had the monument cleared of sand again in the first century AD.
- Medieval Arab writers referred to the Sphinx as Abū il-Hawl, meaning "father of terror."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Sphinx in American Gods?
The Sphinx is an ancient Egyptian deity who manifests as a living god within the narrative, originating from the Great Sphinx of Giza. Unlike the stone monument itself, this character possesses consciousness and actively participates in the conflict between old and new gods.
What are The Sphinx's powers or role?
As a manifestation of divine power, The Sphinx commands authority over riddles and ancient mysteries that can endanger those who cannot answer them. This god serves as a powerful ally to Mr. Wednesday, leveraging their vast age and magical capabilities against rival factions.
How does The Sphinx's story end in the series?
The Sphinx meets its demise during the climactic battle when it is mortally wounded by a new god. Before dying, the character delivers final words that provide crucial insight into the nature of belief and the shifting landscape of divinity.
Why is The Sphinx important to the plot?
This character represents the enduring power of ancient mythology and acts as a key strategic asset for Mr. Wednesday's rebellion. Their presence underscores the theme that old gods can still exert influence if they are remembered and fed by belief.
Is The Sphinx based on the real statue in Egypt?
The character is directly inspired by the Great Sphinx of Giza, the massive limestone monument carved from bedrock during the Old Kingdom. While the real statue faces east as a silent guardian, the fictional version comes to life to fight for survival in modern America.