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CANIS MAJOR, The Greater Dog, and in particular the bright star
Sirius, was often featured in early Egyptian lore. At various
times in Egyptian history it was identified with the goddess Isis,
with the cow-goddess Hathor and with the jackal-headed god Anubis.
Sirius was considered very highly by the Egyptians, since its
re-appearance in mid-July, after several months' absence, coincided
with the annual flooding of the Nile, an event so essential to the
fertility of the land. Sirius also became known as the "Dog Star",
representing the hottest days of summer referred to in bygone times as Dog Days.
In Greek mythology, CANIS MAJOR, represented the larger of the two dogs
belonging to the great hunter Orion.
The dog seems to be in the act of
leaping after the Lepus the Hare, and because of his incredible speed, he was honoured
by Zeus and placed in the heavens.
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