In Egyptian mythology, Tawaret was the protective goddess of childbirth. She was typically depicted as a bipedal hippopotamus with drooping breasts, an association probably deriving from the concern with which hippopotami guard their offspring. Tawaret's depiction also incorporated attributes of other predators, such as a crocodile’s tail and lion’s paws. Tawaret was a very popular deity for amulets; it is possible that such amulets were worn to protect the pregnant, mothers or children from harm, or to ensure fertility.