Many gods of Egypt, including Thoth (God of astronomy, magic, and the judgement of the dead), Hapy (diving protectors of canopic jars), and Khonsu (a god of healing, exploration, and the moon), consider the Yellow Baboon to be a sacred animal. Such gods can grant a portion of their power into a yellow baboon, usually a large dominant male of a troop, to create a powerful agent to act on their behalf. This creature is called an Aani, and is granted gains increased intelligence, magical protection from harm, and enhanced physical abilities. One can tell an Aani from a normal yellow baboon by the size of the creature (Aani are about 50% larger), and the animal’s head. The head of a baboon that’s become an Aani is transformed into that of a dog, usually an Egyptian Hound.
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