HORUS

Horus is one of the most significant ancient Egyptian deities. He was worshipped from the Predynastic period through to Greco-Roman times. His name reflects his status as a sky god who soars high above the earth.

Ancient Egyptian Name	𓅃𓂋 (Ḥr / Horu)
Phonetic Pronunciation	Ho-rus
Literal Meaning	“The Distant One” or “The One on High”
Cosmic Role	Sky, Kingship, Divine Protection

Originally, Horus was a celestial falcon whose wings spanned the sky. His right eye was the Sun and his left eye was the Moon. As the unifier of Upper and Lower Egypt, he became the divine model for the Pharaoh.

Horus is a complex deity with many forms, each representing a different aspect of his power:

• Horus the Elder (Heru-wer): The ancient sky god, brother of Osiris and Set.
• Horus the Child (Harpocrates): The son of Isis and Osiris, representing vulnerable youth and protection against snakes.
• Horakhty: "Horus of the Horizons," the solar form linked to Ra.
• Behdety: The Winged Solar Disk, protector of the king in battle.

The central myth of Egyptian kingship involves Horus's battle against his uncle Set, who murdered Horus's father, Osiris.

The Triumph of Order

After eighty years of battles and legal tribunals (The Contendings of Horus and Seth), Horus was declared the rightful heir. He defeated Set, reclaiming the throne of Egypt and restoring Ma'at (Cosmic Order). This established the precedent that the Pharaoh is the legitimate successor of the gods.

Horus defines the Egyptian state. The living Pharaoh was not just a ruler; he was the "Living Horus" on earth. Upon death, the Pharaoh became Osiris, and his successor became the new Horus, ensuring an unbroken line of divine authority.

• The Falcon: His primary animal form, representing speed and majesty.
• The Double Crown (Pschent): He wears the combined crowns of Upper (White) and Lower (Red) Egypt, symbolizing unity.
• The Winged Disk: A solar symbol of protection often found above temple gates.

The Temple of Edfu is the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt. Dedicated to Horus of Behdet, its walls preserve the rituals of the "Festival of the Beautiful Reunion," where the statue of Hathor would travel to visit Horus, celebrating their sacred marriage.

Horus had four divine sons responsible for protecting the internal organs of the deceased. They were depicted on the Canopic Jars:

Name	Head	Protects	Direction
Imsety	Human	Liver	South
Hapy	Baboon	Lungs	North
Duamutef	Jackal	Stomach	East
Qebehsenuef	Falcon	Intestines	West

Primary Role	God of Sky & Kingship
Sacred Animal	Falcon
Key Symbol	The Eye of Horus (Wedjat)
Mythical Enemy	Set (Chaos)
Cult Center	Edfu, Hierakonpolis