Among the grand pantheon of ancient Egyptian gods—the falcon-headed Horus, the jackal-faced Anubis, the serene Isis—one deity stands out for looking nothing like the others. Bes was short, squat, and frankly ugly, depicted with a lion's mane, a protruding tongue, bowed legs, and a face that seemed designed to frighten rather than inspire reverence. Yet this peculiar god was among the most beloved in ancient Egypt, his image appearing in homes, on furniture, and as protective amulets far more frequently than many of the grander deities. Bes was the god of ordinary people, watching over households, protecting mothers and children, and bringing joy and laughter into daily life...