Ancient Egyptian religion
In Ancient Egyptian religion, serpents had both positive and negative representations. On the one hand, the Egyptians worshipped a number of beneficent snake deities, including Wadjet, Renenutet, Meretseger, Nehebkau and Mehen. The uraeus was a fierce divine cobra that protected Egyptian kings and major deities. On the other hand, the serpent Apophis was a malevolent demon, who endeavoured to destroy the chief deity Ra.