Anhur, known in Greek as Onuris, is an important figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, revered primarily as a god of war and hunting. Originating from the Thinite region near Abydos, he is celebrated for his role in protecting his father, the sun god Ra, from adversaries, earning him the title “slayer of enemies.” Anhur is depicted as a guardian during Ra’s journey through the sky, combating the chaos serpent Apep that threatened the sun.
His influence extended to the military as the divine protector of the Egyptian army, representing the valor and spirit of warriors. However, Anhur embodied more than just conflict; his essence also captured the creative force of humanity. This dual nature was particularly evident during his festival, where mock battles ensued, allowing priests and citizens to engage in playful combat with sticks, symbolizing camaraderie rather than aggression.
The etymology of his name—“he who leads back the distant one”—can be interpreted in various ways, potentially linked to legends regarding the “Eye of Ra,” commonly identified as his daughter, who may take the form of goddesses like Hathor, Sekhmet, Tefnut, Mut, or Bast. In one popular myth, she ventures to Nubia as a fierce lioness, which prompted Ra to dispatch Anhur or other envoys to retrieve her. In certain iterations of the tale, it is the god Shu, accompanied by Thoth, who persuades Tefnut to return.
Visually, Anhur is often shown as a regal figure striding confidently, adorned in a long kilt with a unique feather pattern, complemented by a wig and a crown with four tall feathers. Many images exhibit him holding a spear or lance, reinforcing his title as “the lord of lances,” and a length of rope in his other hand, emphasizing his mission to bring back the “Eye of Ra.” While some portrayals omit these artifacts, his posture frequently suggests he is in possession of them.
His lineage is complex; he is acknowledged as a son of Ra, while also sometimes regarded as the offspring of Hathor. As a war deity, he shares a connection with Montu of Thebes and Sopdu, akin to the Greek god Ares, enhancing his significance in cross-cultural comparisons. Notably, Emperor Tiberius was depicted wearing Anhur’s crown within the temple at Kom Ombo, dedicated jointly to Sobek and Horus.
Despite Anhur’s roots in This, his principal place of worship was in Sebennytos (modern Samannud in the Delta), where he was linked to Shu, the air god. His growing prominence during the New Kingdom saw him amalgamate with Horus, resulting in the composite deity Horus-Anhur, revered as the archetypal warrior and protector in combat. Among Nubian communities, this combined deity was recognized as Ary-hes-nefer, likely translating to “Horus of the beautiful house,” and was believed to be wed to Isis, thus connecting him to Osiris.
Pharaohs, notably Nectanebo I and II, contributed to Anhur’s legacy by establishing temples in his honor. They constructed a notable temple for Onuris-Shu known as Per-shu, while subsequent rulers, including Ptolemy IV Philopator and Ptolemy V Epiphanes, expanded his worship with a temple dedicated to Ary-hes-nefer on Philae Island adjacent to the temple of Isis. Archaeological finds, including silver and bronze amulets bearing Anhur’s likeness, have surfaced across Egypt, underscoring his enduring significance in ancient religion.
