Horus, the falcon deity, is integral to Egyptian mythology, often recognized as the aide to Ra and the embodiment of the Pharaoh’s authority throughout Egypt’s extensive history. After avenging the demise of his father, Osiris, Horus secured his position as the ruler of Egypt, establishing himself as one of the foremost deities in the Egyptian pantheon. This article explores the fascinating myths and significant details surrounding this iconic Egyptian god.
Horus: The Falcon Deity
Statues depicting Horus in falcon form from the Ptolemaic Period (c. 332-30 BCE) can be seen in art collections, such as those at the Art Institute of Chicago. Horus is considered one of the earliest depicted gods in Egyptian culture, with references dating back to the origins of Egyptian civilization, including the earliest known cult statue. His most notable representation is that of a falcon; however, starting from the Middle Kingdom (c. 1975-1640 BCE), he also appeared as a winged sun disk. This specific portrayal signifies the Horus of Behdet, a vital cult center situated in the Nile Delta. The winged sun disk is a prevalent motif in Egyptian spiritual architecture, with countless examples found in museums and monuments.
In the context of Egyptian folklore, Horus is identified as the offspring of Isis and Osiris, representing love and the afterlife, respectively. His ties to the concept of kingship have been traced back to early Egyptian history when his imagery appeared on serekhs, which were rectangular devices that served as emblems for primordial pharaohs. These serekhs depicted Horus as perched atop the facade of royal palaces, establishing a direct link between the falcon god and the Pharaohs. Notably, the “Horus name” became one of the monarch’s multiple titles, and kings were typically visualized with the falcon hovering over their heads.
The Rivalry of Horus and Seth
The pivotal mythology surrounding Horus involves his conflict with Seth. Following the death of Osiris, the Ennead, a group of nine deities, was convened to decide the rightful successor to Osiris’ throne. Horus, being the direct descendant of Osiris, was set against Seth, his uncle and the one who murdered Osiris. The competition between Horus and Seth was designed to determine who would inherit the kingship. They crafted various tests to showcase their strengths, one of which involved transforming into hippopotamuses to see who could hold their breath the longest underwater. Realizing Horus was at a disadvantage, Isis intervened, leading to Horus emerging as victor and accepted king of Egypt. This mythological foundation explains why Horus is so deeply intertwined with the image and identity of Pharaohs throughout ancient Egyptian history.
The Many Faces of Horus
Horus boasts a comprehensive mythos, with his origins traced back to the city of Nekhen, where he was venerated as “Horus of Nekhen” during the Old Kingdom. His cult saw a significant expansion, leading him to be worshipped under various names across Egypt. Titles such as Horemakhet, translating to “Horus on the Horizon,” were also attributed to him, indicating his diverse representations. In later periods, he was adored as Harpocrates, characterized as a child holding his thumb in his mouth, symbolizing innocence and youth.
The Temple of Kom Ombo showcases representations of an aged Horus known as Haroeris, embodying wisdom and authority. Furthermore, the falcon god was acknowledged in various cities as Harakhte, associated closely with Ra, the sun god, leading to the amalgamation of both figures into Ra-Horakhty. Eventually, this composite depiction included additional deities such as Atum, solidifying his status as a principal god in the Late Period.
Horus: The Solar Deity
The name Horus derives from the term meaning “high,” illustrating his status as the “lord of the sky,” with dominion over both the Sun and the Moon. Ancient texts indicate that Horus’ eyes represent these celestial bodies, with Horus’ left eye symbolizing the Moon and the right eye the Sun. This particular hierarchy adds depth to the narrative of Horus and Seth; during their conflicts, Seth was said to have injured Horus, affecting the luminescence of the Moon compared to the Sun.
When Horus merged with Ra, he assumed the title of Ra-Horakhty, often depicted as a falcon-headed figure crowned with a sun disk. An ancient ivory artifact from the First Dynasty illustrates this solar connection, displaying a falcon traversing the heavens, reinforcing his identity as a solar deity.
The Unifier of Two Lands
Upon assuming Osiris’ kingship, Horus earned the moniker Harsomptus, “Horus the Uniter,” responsible for maintaining cohesion between Upper and Lower Egypt. However, alternative narratives found in texts from Kom Ombo and Edfu present another facet of Horus. Here, he is depicted as having a son named Panebtawy with Hathor, tasked with fostering peace throughout the nation.
The belief that the reigning monarch was a manifestation of Horus took hold during the First Dynasty in Nekhen, solidified further as Upper and Lower Egypt unified under the kingship of the Nekhen rulers. Horus was venerated in both the Delta and Upper Egypt, with annual ceremonies, such as the Coronation of the Sacred Falcon, symbolizing this unity. During this festival, a live falcon was selected to embody Horus as Egypt’s sovereign, highlighting his role in the unification of the land.
Horus as the Guardian
In late period narratives, a famous story recounts Seth’s attempts to harm Horus and his mother, Isis. After imparting a potentially lethal snake bite to Horus, Isis sought divine aid, leading to intervention from Hathor and Thoth, who revived the child. This tale contributed to Horus’ reputation as the protector, and stele depicting Horus overcoming dangerous animals, like crocodiles, became widespread. These artifacts were often displayed in homes or sanctuaries, invoking Horus’ protective powers.
The Significance of the Eye of Horus
The Eye of Horus holds great significance within Egyptian lore, as depicted in ancient texts like the Pyramid Texts from the late Old Kingdom. These texts narrate Seth’s theft of Horus’ Eye, his attempts to destroy it, and Horus’ eventual reclamation and healing of his eye, facilitated by Thoth. The mystery surrounding his eye’s restoration symbolizes renewal and invincibility. Additionally, stories depict Hathor using her magic to restore the Eye, associating this process with lunar cycles, reinforcing its value as an emblem of healing and revitalization.
In summary, Horus represents a multifaceted deity whose narrative intertwines themes of protection, kingship, and celestial authority, making him an enduring figure in Egyptian mythology.
