Horus

Horus was one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion. He was typically depicted as a falcon or as a man with the head of a falcon. His name in ancient Egyptian, Ḥr, meant 'the high one' or 'the distant one', referring to the sky and the flight of the falcon.

His worship began in the earliest periods of Egyptian history, before Upper and Lower Egypt were unified. The king of Egypt (the pharaoh) was recognized as the earthly manifestation of Horus. For this reason, the names of some kings began with 'the name of Horus', which was one of the formal titles of kingship.

The Myth of Osiris and Set

The best-known myth depicts Horus as the son of Osiris and Isis. After Set killed Osiris, Horus contested Set for control of the kingdom. The myth concludes that a divine tribunal awarded Horus his father's inheritance, while Osiris became ruler of the underworld. Some versions of the myth recount that Horus lost one of his eyes or his sight in the conflict, which was later restored.

The Eye of Horus

The symbol known as the Eye of Horus (wedjat) was a symbol of protection and well-being. It was crafted from gold, lapis lazuli, and other protective materials, and was placed in tombs. The right eye was sometimes associated with the sun, and the left eye with the moon.

Forms and Syncretism with Other Deities

Horus had various forms that were venerated in different regions: Horakhty (Horus of the two horizons), associated with the sun, and Harpokrates (Horus as a child), suckled by Isis. He also merged with other deities—for example, Ra-Horakhty. Centers of his worship included Edfu and Hierakonpolis.