In ancient Egyptian culture, the character of Anubis represents the afterlife and mummification. Depicted as a jackal or a man with a jackal's head, Anubis oversees the dead and ensures safe passage to the underworld. He is associated with the weighing of the hearts, determining the worthiness of souls. Anubis embodies themes of protection, judgment, and the mysteries of death, making him a prominent figure within Egyptian mythology.