In Egyptian mythology, Anubis serves the crucial role of overseeing the afterlife. He is depicted as a man with a jackal's head and is associated with mummification and the protection of the dead. Anubis guides souls through the underworld, assessing their hearts against the feather of Ma'at to determine their fate. This role emphasizes the importance of burial rites and the belief in an afterlife within Egyptian culture. Anubis' presence ensures that the deceased safely navigate their journey, symbolizing the deep connection between life, death, and the afterlife.