In Egyptian culture, the creature that serves as a guardian of the realm of the dead is the Sphinx. The Sphinx is often depicted with a lion's body and a human head and acts as a protector of tombs and sacred sites. This mythical creature poses riddles to travelers and symbolizes strength, wisdom, and the mystery of the afterlife. Encasing profound spiritual significance, the Sphinx is a representation of duality, embodying both danger and enlightenment. Its association with the pharaohs emphasizes the connection between state, religion, and mortality in ancient Egyptian belief systems.