In Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet ("the powerful one") was a war and disease goddess. The center of her cult was in Memphis. Her husband was Ptah (later, as Ptah-Seker) and their son, Nefertem.

Ra, the sun god, sent Sekhmet (herein a possible malevolent aspect of Hathor) to destroy mortals who conspired against him; she grew very enthusiastic about this task and killed almost all of humanity. Re tricked her into drinking beer which he had colored like blood. She became so drunk that she was no longer able to continue the slaughter.

In spite of being a cause of disease, she was also prayed to for help in healing diseases. She was also associated with lionesses.

Alternative: Sakhet, Sakhmet, Sachmet