The Scarab in ‘Moon Knight,’ Explained

With only three episodes out so far on Disney Plus, I can officially say that I love Moon Knight. Disney and Marvel struck a goldmine with this one. It combines three things that I adore: comic book heroes, ancient Egyptian culture, and Oscar Isaac.

In the first couple of episodes, viewers may feel a little like Steven (with a V) Grant, just trying to piece it all together. Basically, Moon Knight is the avatar of the Egyptian god of the moon (and protector to those who travel at night), Khonshu. Together, Khonshu and Steven Grant (with his other personality Marc Spector), must stop the plans of another Egyptian goddess, Ammit. The first thing to thwart her and her avatar, Arthur Harrow, was keeping the Scarab of Ammit out of their hands. Moon Knight has had limited success on that front. So, let’s go over what a scarab is and why it is so important.

What is a Scarab?

In ancient Egyptian culture, scarab beetles (like the dung beetle) represented an earthly version of the god Kherpi. Every morning, Kherpi (who had the face of a scarab), rolled the sun across the sky, bringing new life and a new day to the world. Similarly, beetles roll dung and sand into balls and move them across the ground. The beetles use the balls to eat and lay their eggs inside. Gross, but I can see how both the sun and dung balls keep life blossoming.

During the Middle Kingdom era of Egypt (around 2000 BCE), the scarab became the hot fashion accessory. They crafted amulets, seals, and rings, all in the scarab’s image. Some scarab’s backs have hieroglyphic messages or royal names inscribed on them. They crafted certain scarabs to adorn sarcophagi and accompany people into the afterlife.

Scarab of Ammit

(image: Disney Plus/Marvel)

In Moon Knight, the Scarab of Ammit appears to have a very specific purpose—not just to be pretty. Arthur Harrow thinks the way to release the goddess Ammit lies within the scarab. Unlike Khonshu, who walks around freely, something locked away Ammit from the world. And for good reason.

Ancient Egyptians believed that Ammit (also spelled Ammut or Ahemait) consumed the hearts of the dead who did not pass judgment by Anubis and Ma’at. A mix of the three most deadly animals to humans (hippopotamus, lion, and crocodile) she appears very fearsome. Also fabulous. Harrow believes her judgment could rid the planet of all evil by killing those who have committed (or might commit) immoral acts.

During episode two, Arthur Harrow revealed the scarab was actually a compass that points the way to Ammit’s tomb. Now, Moon Knight and Harrow are in a race to see who can get to the tomb first—to either release Ammit or keep the world safe from her wrath.

(featured image: Disney Plus/Marvel)