Mnevis

Mnevis is the sacred black bull of Heliopolis, the living image of Ra-Atum on earth. Kept and tended within the sun god's cult center, he was honored as Ra's herald and intermediary, a single living animal believed to carry the solar power in physical form. His dark coat marked his solar identity, echoing how the sun sinks into the black earth each night and rises again at dawn. Like the Apis bull of Memphis, a Mnevis was chosen by its markings, served in life, and given elaborate burial in death so the god could enter a new bull.