Wadjet, known as the "Green One" in Ancient Egyptian, held a significant position as the local goddess of the city of Dep. Over time, the city itself became known as Per-Wadjet, meaning the "House of Wadjet." It also became the capital of the 6th lower Egyptian nome, with Wadjet as its patron deity. This region played a crucial role in the cultural developments of prehistoric Egypt during the Paleolithic era. Furthermore, there was a Per-Wadjet in Upper Egypt, solidifying the goddess's influence in both regions.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Wadjet's mythology is her close association with the Eye of Ra, a potent protective deity in ancient Egyptian religion. The hieroglyph representing her eye held great significance, often depicted as two eyes in religious images. Wadjet's connection to the Eye of Ra added to her role as a guardian and protector of Lower Egypt. With the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, she became the joint patron and defender of the entire kingdom.

Wadjet's image was prominently displayed on the crowns of Lower Egyptian rulers in the form of the uraeus, a cobra emblem. She was regarded as the protector of kings and had a particular association with women in childbirth. Legends tell of Wadjet acting as the nurse and guardian of the infant god Horus. With the aid of his mother Isis, they sought refuge in the swamps of the Nile Delta, protecting the young deity from the treacherous Set.

The temple dedicated to Wadjet in Tebtunis, located in the Faiyum region of Egypt, played a central role in her worship. Ritual performances honoring the goddess took place within this sacred site. The temple at Per-Wadjet, known for its oracular tradition, was another significant location associated with Wadjet. It is believed that this oracle may have been the source of the oracular traditions that later spread to Greece from Egypt.

Depictions of Wadjet varied, with her often represented as a snake-headed woman or a snake, specifically the Egyptian cobra—a venomous snake common to the region. At times, she was depicted as a woman with two snake heads or as a snake with a woman's head. Wadjet's appearance also extended to other animal-headed beings, including a lion or mongoose. These representations symbolized different aspects of her protective role and her connection to various deities, such as Horus and Min.

Her association with the land and fertility further emphasized her significance. As the "Lady of Imet," Wadjet had a vast temple in the ancient Imet region of the Nile Delta. Here, she was worshiped alongside Min and Horus, forming a triad of deities.

Wadjet's diverse depictions evolved over time, reflecting the changing religious and cultural landscape of Egypt. The image of her as a snake entwined around a papyrus stem, which emerged in the Predynastic era, may have served as the inspiration for the caduceus—a symbol commonly associated with healing and medicine, found in cultures around the Mediterranean Sea.

As the protector of the country, pharaohs, and other deities, Wadjet occupied a crucial role in ancient Egyptian society. She was closely linked to the Nile Delta region and represented the world of the living. Often portrayed as an erect cobra, ready to strike, she wore the Red Crown of Lower Egypt. Wadjet frequently appeared alongside Nekhbet, the vulture goddess representing Upper Egypt, forming a powerful symbol of the unification of the kingdom.

In addition to her protective role, Wadjet held significance in medical practices. Engravings from the Temple of Kom Ombo depict surgical instruments, including the Wadjet eye. These eyes, likely representing her role as a protector deity, were used as medical tools. They were offered to Haroeris, the god associated with healing, to cleanse and restore Egypt's vitality and unity.

Wadjet's multifaceted nature and her association with various aspects of Egyptian culture and mythology make her an intriguing figure to study. Unveiling the mysteries surrounding this ancient goddess provides us with a deeper understanding of the complexities and beliefs of ancient Egyptian civilization.