Horus is a significant deity in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is known as the god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun, and the sky. The name Horus is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “Heru,” which means “the distant one” or “the one on high.” Horus was worshipped from the late prehistoric period until the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Roman Egypt.
In Egyptian mythology, Horus was often depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon’s head. He was believed to be the son of Osiris and Isis, and his role was to protect the pharaohs and the people of Egypt. Horus was also known for his ability to heal and protect, and he was closely associated with the sun and the sky. According to mythology, Horus lost one of his eyes in a battle with his uncle Seth, which became the basis for the Eye of Horus symbol.
Overview
Horus is a significant god in ancient Egyptian mythology. He was worshipped from at least the late prehistoric Egypt until the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Roman Egypt. Horus was depicted as a falcon-headed god and was known as the god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun, and the sky. He was believed to be the son of Osiris and Isis, and his cult was widespread in Egypt.
The name “Horus” is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “Hor,” which means “the one who is above” or “the distant one.” Horus was considered one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon, and his cult was widespread throughout the country. He was also known by several other names, including Heru, Har, and Her.
Horus was often portrayed as a falcon or a man with a falcon’s head. He was associated with the sun and was believed to be the god who brought light to the world each day. Horus was also associated with the sky and was believed to be the god who protected the pharaohs and the people of Egypt.
Overall, Horus was a complex and important god in ancient Egyptian mythology. His cult was widespread throughout Egypt, and he was worshipped for his role as the protector of the pharaohs and the people of Egypt.
Etymology
Origin of the Name
The name “Horus” is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “Hor,” which means “the one who is above” or “the distant one.” The name was used to refer to the sky, and Horus was considered to be the god of the sky. Horus was also known as “Heru” or “Har.”
Evolution of the Name
Over time, the name “Horus” evolved to include a number of different meanings and associations. In addition to being the god of the sky, Horus was also associated with the sun and was believed to have the power to heal. As a result, he was often depicted with a sun disk on his head and with the symbol of the eye of Horus, which was believed to have healing powers.
The name “Horus” was also associated with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, who were believed to be the earthly manifestations of Horus. As a result, the name became associated with power, authority, and kingship.
Overall, the name “Horus” is a testament to the complex and multifaceted nature of this ancient Egyptian god.
Attributes
Horus was a complex and multifaceted deity with a variety of attributes that represented different aspects of his being. This section will explore two of his most significant attributes: symbolism and iconography.
Symbolism
Horus was often associated with the sun and the sky, and was considered to be a powerful and protective deity. He was also seen as a symbol of kingship and was often depicted wearing a crown or headdress that represented his royal status. In addition, Horus was associated with the pharaohs of Egypt, who were seen as his earthly representatives.
Iconography
Horus was typically depicted as a falcon or a man with the head of a falcon. He was often shown wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, which represented his authority over both regions. Horus was also associated with the Eye of Horus, a powerful symbol that represented healing, protection, and divine power. The Eye of Horus was often used as a protective amulet, and was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.
Overall, Horus was a powerful and multifaceted deity with a rich history and a variety of attributes that represented different aspects of his being. Whether he was seen as a symbol of kingship, a powerful protector, or a divine healer, Horus was an important figure in the Egyptian pantheon and continues to be revered by many people around the world today.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Horus was the son of Osiris and Isis, two of the most powerful deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. Osiris was the god of the afterlife, while Isis was the goddess of fertility and motherhood. Horus was known as the god of the sky and the sun, and was often depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon’s head.
According to Egyptian mythology, Horus had two brothers, Set and Anubis. Set was the god of chaos and violence, while Anubis was the god of embalming and mummification. Horus was often portrayed as a defender of the pharaohs, and was believed to have protected them from Set’s evil influence.
Descendants
Horus had several children, including Harsomptus, the god of war, and Imsety, one of the four sons of Horus who protected the organs of the deceased during the mummification process. Horus was also believed to have had a son named Kebechet, who was the goddess of purification and embalming.
Horus’ descendants played important roles in Egyptian mythology, and were often associated with the same attributes and powers as their father. The worship of Horus and his family continued throughout the ancient Egyptian period, and their legacy can still be seen in the numerous temples and monuments dedicated to them.
Mythology
Major Myths
Horus was a major deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, often depicted as a falcon or as a man with a falcon’s head. He was known as the god of the sky, war, and hunting. One of the most famous myths about Horus is the story of his battle with his uncle Set, who had killed Horus’s father Osiris. Horus eventually defeated Set and became the rightful king of Egypt. Another well-known myth is the story of Horus’s eye, which was injured in battle and then magically healed by the god Thoth.
Cultural Significance
Horus was a very important god in ancient Egyptian religion and culture. He was closely associated with the pharaohs, who were believed to be his earthly representatives. Horus was also seen as a protector of the people and a symbol of justice and order. His image was often used in amulets and other protective talismans, and his name was invoked in many religious ceremonies. Today, Horus remains an important figure in modern Egyptian folklore and mythology, and his image can still be found in many works of art and literature.