The Secrets of the Sphinx

[@almitrahopkins1873]

If a librarian doesn’t look like a vampire, there’s something slightly wrong. There’s something reassuring about them looking like they never see the sun. Books fade in sunlight…

[@chanellechan7770]

I love the way she tries to explain " It's just..." (gives up trying to explain) "I live in Scotland" 😄

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

Lean into your paleness! And simultaneously into your individuality. I love it. Thank you for including the origin stories for the Sphinx.

[@CinziaDuBois]

Thanks for listening, Leslie!

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

@@CinziaDuBois Always.

[@jeffbrownstain]

Yeah she's super cute so 🤷‍♀️

[@otsugan]

we all know that was cerberus making all that noise

[@lesliemoiseauthor]

🤣

[@coyotedelamancha]

Historically, the Sphinx lost its nose due to an accident during the rule of Julius Caesar involving the famed Gaulish heroes Asterix and Obelix. Sorry, I thought everyone knew that. 😉 Wonderful video as always. Thank you for this. 🙂

[@sophiaisabelle01]

We appreciate your effort and hard work. We look forward to more of your spooky content.

[@CinziaDuBois]

Much appreciated!

[@yensid4294]

Griffins (Gryphons) could be an interesting subject for a video. Same for The Phoenix.

[@Habs2802]

It's a well known historic fact that Obelix knocked the nose of the Sphinx by accident.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

He’s basically a chronic coked out roid-fiend - but it really isn’t his fault!

[@mrlinguini]

the second most beautiful nose in history

[@MammaApa]

@@gorillaguerillaDK I still find it hilarious that the druid's name in the english translation actually is Getafix.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

@@MammaApa Exactly, and if that doesn't say it all, what does it take to convince people that the comic is advocating for drugs and doping?

[@scottdoesntmatter4409]

I had read that the Sphinx's nose was broken off by Muslims because they once again decided it was worship of icons, as they have done with so many other ancient artifacts.

[@lizabee484]

That intro with the weird tinder date absolutely KILLED me. I’ve not had the pleasure of that exact interaction, but I definitely have had equally… fascinating encounters. Seems we would have a whale of a time sharing tinder stories lol Fascinating video btw ^^;

[@tetsubo57]

You aren't pale, you're luminous!

[@nataliegreen5489]

Every time you mention being in Scotland I do a happy dance that we have such cool people here 🎉❤️

[@matthewmartin135]

I think shesepankh is probably pronounced like she-sep-ank. My approach to pronouncing Egyptian words is to work from any hieroglyphs I recognize, and "ankh" is a common one, you might recognize it in the middle of Tutankhamun. I assume shesep is also a hieroglyph or pair of hieroglyphs though I don't know all the transliterations. That said, the "correct" pronunciation is how modern egyptologists pronounce it, and those pronunciations were devised after hieroglyphs were decrypted but before linguists were able to more accurately work out all the sounds, so these names aren't necessarily how ancient Egyptians pronounced them.

[@SomasAcademy]

Allow me to add some more details: In Egyptological pronunciation (as well as reconstructed pronunciation), the kh is pronounced as a throaty sound, indicated by either an h with a little curve under it or an x, depending on the transliteration system. Shesep (or Shezep), which just means statue, is spelled with several hieroglyphs; first is number O42 on Gardiner's sign list, the fence hieroglyph, which is also read as "šsp," then Q3, which is just pronounced as "p" and serves as a phonetic compliment (basically a pronunciation aid), and finally a seated god determinative or a Horus determinative (there are lots of Egyptian words pronounced "šsp," so the determinitive is important for showing which word you mean). So, if you can see these characters, it looks kinda like this: 𓊏𓊪𓀭 or this: 𓊏𓊪𓅆 The main reason why Egyptological pronunciation isn't quite accurate is because Hieroglyphs were only used to transcribe consonants, not vowels, so Egyptologists typically fill in the vowel "E" in between consonants to make it easier to say the words. Because of this, the vowels we use and their positions are fairly arbitrary. Additionally, spoken Egyptian evolved over time, but written Egyptian didn't at the same rate, so some of the spellings were way off from how the words were pronounced; for example, "t" sounds started being dropped off the ends of words by the Middle Egyptian stage, so a lot of words that are spelled with t's actually ended in vowel sounds or glottal stops.

[@jenbravo2790]

I love your videos so much, Cinzia. Excellent research/content, great jokes sprinkled throughout, and amazing vampire lighting. 💛

[@CinziaDuBois]

Thank you so much, Jen!

[@felixcorona13]

Have u ever considered doing audio books ? I absolutely ADORE your accent 🤣

[@jaymeaaron]

I think I like the pronunciation "she spanked her" 🤣 Love the video ❤️

[@Zugzug386]

Thank you for Cinzia, very much appreciate your level of research and story telling ability. Those qualities mixed with your humor continues to be a winning combo for me.

[@CinziaDuBois]

My pleasure!

[@saralaerevu8735]

4:16 having dogs myself I'm so used to filter the noises of thier paws that I didn't even noticed that xD

[@winterburden]

Thanks for this neat Sphinx video Cinzia! The lighting is fantastic 🙆‍♀️

[@CinziaDuBois]

Glad you like it!

[@tomdotcom0520]

Can I sample your intro and put it into my electronic music? The "Hello! And, welcome to my Library" part.

[@TheAnonJohn]

In 2014 in northern Greece , it was discovered the ancient tomb of Amphipolis, which is protected by two female sphinxes. Search Amphipolis tomb 3D on youtube for a nice recreation video. Anyway, thought it was worth mentioning

[@russergee49]

That is really interesting, as it makes it possible that the sphinx was regarded as a protective figure in parts of the Hellenic world.

[@Saezimmerman]

“You’d think he’d be a little more careful about killing people…” You said what I was thinking!

[@baronarcanus9111]

Wings & tail: Two things of which I am always needing more.

[@danalden1112]

“Not one croak of anything you know has come from your cat crouch of ages.”

[@yakuzzi35]

I love this lady. Personally, I'd like to learn more about Lamia, if you haven't made a video on her already.

[@jacobkamphaus5565]

I mean, if youre a vampire, im a fan of am immortal sharing her knowledge! The new lights work well. Amazing video! Thank you!

[@janetgriffith6694]

Thank you so much. Looking forward to future videos 😊

[@andreabran9216]

I think the riddle of the sphinx is a little different in german. I know it as "Which creature is four footed in the morning, two footed at noon and three footed in the evening?" The answer is the same. I love the legend of Oedipus and the story of his children, so it is so interesting to learn a new version :)

[@markwynne725]

Thats the version I learned in English. I suppose there are several variants

[@manuelanoe246]

That is the same version i know in spanish :)

[@russian.hamster5]

The puppies must always be allowed to play! 🥺 Hope they have fun!

[@robo5013]

Another, and most accepted story, of how the Sphynx lost its nose: The Egyptian Arab historian al-Maqrīzī wrote in the 15th century that the nose was actually destroyed by a Sufi Muslim named Muhammad Sa'im al-Dahr. In 1378 CE, Egyptian peasants made offerings to the Great Sphinx in the hope of controlling the flood cycle, which would result in a successful harvest. Outraged by this blatant show of devotion, Sa'im al-Dahr destroyed the nose and was later executed for vandalism. Archaeologist Mark Lehner performed an archaeological study on the Sphinx and concluded that its nose was intentionally broken with instruments. Upon examination, the Sphinx's face shows that rods or chisels were hammered into the nose area which were then used to pry it off.

[@tibbers]

More about Ancient Egypt and esotericism please!

[@lilykatmoon4508]

Never apologize for the sounds of happy dogs playing!

[@scbtripwire]

About that man you dated with the... mug... situation; whoa. 0.o Oof that segue to the ad read. ;) Love your videos!

[@CinziaDuBois]

Get exclusive access to NordPass’ best offer here: www.nordpass.com/ladyofthelibrary Or, use the code ladyofthelibrary at the checkout to get an additional 1 month for FREE!

[@Elvertaw]

Love your channel!! And you rock the Morticia vibe!!! BTW- I’m from California and have visited Scotland. Love Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Thinking about moving there!!

[@Syntox]

This channel is such a delight

[@craigmusa2254]

Love the video definitely need atlantis part 3 where we talk about Nazis and ancient alien hypotheses because I need it to have actual evidence that these beliefs are racist

[@YusufGinnah]

It's probably been around 10 days since discovering, subscribing and binging the content on your channel. I absolutely love it all! Just what I needed. This is clearly the best ever served up in my recommended in like... Forever... Thank you Cinzia, you're an absolute treasure. I appreciate you. 😎👍🏼

[@stephaniearmington8176]

I always look forward to your videos, thank you so much for the amazing content 😄

[@CinziaDuBois]

So nice of you, Stephanie! Thank you

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

Thank you for another fun and informative video.

[@foxgloved8922]

Spoooky lighting

[@AlatheD]

Perhaps you should rename your channel "Vampire of the Library" I'd still be here. I mean, if I can use the library for the price of a nibble, all I ask is leave enough that I don't pass out while cuddling with the book for a few hours. LOL I absolutely love the Sphinx! Oh, smooth ad read transition, Chinzia. :) Sphinxalicious! Thank you so much, Chizia!

[@Spacecookie-]

Your lighting seems to be more bluish than is necessary, turning your complexion a cooler shade, adding to the 'vampire' aesthetic. Warm coloured lighting would really offset that.

[@XandruReguera]

"I live in Scotland". All said :)

[@Khatoon170]

Happy new year mrs ciniza iam new subscriber Arabic lady citizen since Christmas 2019 I began to subscribe to British and American KZbin channels. We are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level improve our English language as well first of all make friendships with people from different countries ihope we became intimate friends from now on. My name is Turkish origin means Nobel lady as princess your name is Greek origin means mount kynothos . Best wishes for you your family friends.

[@lynseybowe8693]

I had never heard of the sphinx being part of other religions and cultures throughout Asia. It’s so fascinating how these cultures all share commonalities.

[@tenebrousoul9368]

Despite being a rather important part of the Egyptian pantheon, Thoth figures into very few myths. How would one go about researching those myths?

[@starsINSPACE]

Actually, Lady Gaga is the mother of monsters. don't know how you got that wrong. smh

[@dogmaticpyrrhonist543]

I wonder if the strange person from Tinder was Charles, (now King Charles)

[@surfk9836]

You say "She's a vampire vibe..." as though it's a bad thing.

[@khartog01]

I'm so glad you pointed out Oedipus should have just not killed anyone.

[@kylemorris9070]

As always, I enjoyed it looking forward to the next one.🧐👍

[@grimdolo918]

You are a delight. Looking forward to following your content.

[@shanedjoy8954]

What's the chance that the Sphinx was originally Anubis(facing westward, death/underworld), then a human face carved later..?

[@starsINSPACE]

hmm I would think the sphinx would more related to lion gods or goddesses like Sekhmet. There are so many cool looking leonine tomb guardians in other cultures too like Lamassu or foo dogs.

[@leoorpi]

I didn't even know i had a wee little sphinx void until i watched this video

[@vanyakalinka8305]

dw, your paleness suits you. And Sphinx, nice, very interesting subject.

[@jimbrittain402]

I love your scholarship and your voice. The headshot is just an extra added attraction. But I check your videos even with the cartoon avatar.

[@usagi5121]

in love with your videos, funny but I go to work and sometimes a project i do (as a housekeeper/cleaner) is scrub the white tiled halls of the floor, and everytime i do it i watch your videos! u keep me entertained 💜 i was thinking maybe you could cover the mythologies of Nymphs and what other ancient civilizations had their own versions of them, as i know celtics did..? the energy/spirits inhabiting trees waterways etc. I adore history and yet struggle myself to find places of reference or even a cohesive video on them, especially not how they seem to be victims of sa very prevalently in their myths, which i feel may have something to do with how humans protaay woman who are confident in sexuality. Just a thought, and once again I LOVE UR VIDEOS SM

[@dullahan7373]

Your videos make my day so much more enjoyable and better ❤ So happy I found your channel! 😊

[@chloej.5576]

My favorite time of week is when you post your videos!! Thank you for all the work you put into these videos! 🖤

[@CinziaDuBois]

You are so welcome!

[@joluoto]

Hmm, sphinxes, yes, I have met those kind of people. Only speaking in riddles. My experience have taught me the best way to deal with them is to ignore them. They are only trying to mess with your mind.

[@violetsidhe]

Thank you for another great video. What about the manticore? I think I spelt that right

[@shermanbrennan794]

Your segue into the advertisement for the sponsor was pretty awesome ETA:A short about the mother of monsters would be great. I'd never heard of her until this video, so thanks!

[@barlow949]

You are looking splendidly cadaverous today

[@CinziaDuBois]

LOL thank you

[@poplar21]

You are lovely❤

[@SomasAcademy]

Note that South Asian Sphinxes were most likely derived from Greek Sphinxes, introduced into the Hellenistic kingdoms of Northern India after the time of Alexander the Great, rather than being introduced from Egypt directly or being a coincidental common idea.

[@tetsubo57]

There are some great chimera figures available. Why yes, I do own them...

[@SOJACjac]

She-sep Anchaha

[@silmarian]

Oedipus Tex, the very best interpretation of this ever (or at least funniest) includes the Sphinx. Kinda. It's PDQ Bach, it's really weird.

[@Thomas.Wright]

Since you live in Scotland, shouldn't you end your videos with, "Anyway, that's all I've got for you today. GO AWAY NOW!"

[@my_name_is_mia]

I like bright lighting more, but I'm that odd person who doesn't like dark theme on my phone......

[@TheEdmond30]

Dont read Sophocles around your parents or William Burrows in Morocco..... reading has so many rules and audiobooks even more so

[@lungelongubane4071]

She spanked her I'm sorry lol never knew tat lol but I've always be intrigued by the sphinx ❤️💯

[@Selene_Rosara]

You can't help but wonder just what women did to Ancient Greeks to get depicted as nefarious so frequently.

[@hj7947]

Infrastructure engineer here-I would *love* to learn about the history of roads/communal structures. (I also want to work on limestone preservation but here in the US there isn’t much opportunity.) Excellent work and I love the light setup.

[@stevelenores5637]

How old is the Sphinx? Nobody knows for sure. It could older than pyramids themselves. Since the head is smaller than the body it could have been re-carved from an early head (an actual lion?).

[@wrestlersmith97]

Old school limestone preservation was just capping it in marble and I'm not strictly opposed

[@Thomas.Wright]

Oedipus should have asked the Sphinx, "What have I got in my pocket?"

[@joaovilaca88]

In the name of all pale vampi... herm... pale human beeings... carry on!!!

[@sandyblack9698]

Great content..did you go to Harrow ?blessings from Devon.

[@jeffbrownstain]

Preposting a comment to say thank you for using my request on instagram about egypt (assuming you worked that dang fast!). Can't watch now but I'm sure I'll have more comments later when I do 😁

[@1984isnotamanual]

Your skin isn't pale it's porcelain. I'm still not sure if you are a vampire or not though... ;) Open question: What does anyone think about the Sphinx being older than generally thought because of supposed water erosion, and when the sphinx was built it was too dry so there shouldn't be that type of erosion blah blah blah. Does anyone educated on the topic think that's total BS or could it be possible? It's a hypothesis bandied about by Graham Hancock and others.

[@lloyd4956]

Great videos as always. I enjoyed hearing about the sphinx.

[@TheSilveryew]

Congratulations on your sponsorship! Another super video as always ^_^

[@highboy72]

love your content and your beautiful look, don't change anything!

[@jrichardson7814]

Sphinxes were still guardians in Ancient Greece- you can find them on the capitals of archaic grave stelai warding off bad spirits. The same role was performed by gorgons on temple pediments.

[@sonraseal9904]

How about video about the city of Uruk or world first female author. Enheduanna ?

[@veronicatash777]

Sheh seh pahnk. Notice it ends with ankh, which gives a clue to pronunciation. Sh-s-pankh is how the heiroglyphs would be written, the e is assumed where another vowel is not offered. The e's are like the e in 'set.' Now I am out of relevant knowledge about Khemetic language.

[@jeffbrownstain]

Your annotations for the other video didn't show up around 3ish To avoid forgetting or youtube breaking them, should do them as links in the description.

[@Horus070]

I love Demeter ‘s story but also Persephone ‘s . Oddly when I was a kid Hades was my favorite Greek god … i know odd

[@DD-nu8jt]

I love your videos! I am as pale as you are and I live in Southern California. I’ve taken to saying “I hope you are doing splendidly,” but it doesn’t sound nearly as good with an American accent.

[@lindseyshupee]

In the spirit I have been told that I used to worship Ra in a different life. Sometimes if I am about to accidentally burn myself; instead I make an R sound with my tongue and then I am not burnt. I used to have an intense fear of the sphinx. I dreamt of something similar to these depictions except the two women I saw had the upper body of women. Their hair was long and a blonde that is almost red but not that red that covered their chests. They weren't wearing clothes. They had human abdomens, breasts and arms. Their long hair covered up if they had nipples or not. Their lower halves were like lionesses and they were standing at a door. In the dream I wasn't afraid and spoke to them but woke up. They were incredibly beautiful.

[@atlantascraftcreations]

I have a mythology subject after who I am named after, Atalanta.

[@millymollymrst3537]

Loved this video, thank you. Little shorts would be great.😊

[@morgangallowglass8668]

Brilliant and gorgeous in any lighting. YAY PUPS!

[@sabrinadavis8355]

New subscriber here and you're inspiring me to maybe finally look into pursuing my dream of a doctorates in history/philosophy that I tabled for a while... it's so refreshing to see a female KZbinr like you who discusses mythology, culture and the arcane from a historical perspective. The lectures and videos I'm subscribed to are generally male so having found your channel is a blessing. Thank you for your inspo and hard work.

[@RM-we7px]

You’re beautiful don’t worry how the light affect you.

[@piratehqqker]

I think it’s possible that the nose of The Sphinx was intentionally damaged like many other noses were on statues to take the breath from the god king and delegitimize it

[@Quan10Mack]

I'm sure you not any paler than I am and I live in Missouri. I just work at night.

[@rosshankle4721]

I would pronounce it, Shes-ep-ankh.

[@Mooocheropordis]

'She spanks her', perfect pronunciation 🥴