Horus: Egyptian God

Horus is the god of the hunt, the sky, and war. He is also the protector of the pharaohs. He is most often represented with a falcon’s head, Horus’ Eye, and a red-and-white crown.

Horus

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Horus’ father Osiris was murdered by Set. In her grief, Isis had the pieces of Osiris reassembled, and using magic, he was “reanimated” for a short time. During this time, Isis became pregnant with Horus before Osiris went to Duat (the underworld) for his judgment by Anubis. She hid him from Set until he was old enough to return and fight his uncle for the throne.

As Horus grew older, he vowed revenge for his father’s death, and he and Set became bitter enemies. Horus ruled Lower Egypt and Set ruled Upper Egypt. Their many battles against one another became legends for the Egyptians throughout the years. In one battle, Set badly injures Horus’ eye. While it is repaired by Thoth, the god of wisdom, the Egyptians associated this injury with the phases of the moon. The eye Thoth replaces it with becomes known as Horus’ Eye, which is all-seeing and all-knowing, and protector of the world. Pharaohs and commoners alike used the Eye as a symbol of protection. Eventually, Horus triumphed over Set, and this became one of the greatest war myths of ancient Egypt. The red-and-white crown that Horus is often depicted wearing represents the unification of Lower and Upper Egypt after Set’s defeat. All subsequent human pharaohs were thought to be incarnations of Horus. After their deaths, they were thought to travel to Duat where Horus would move into the next form of the new pharaoh, making each pharaoh divine.

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Horus Quick Reference

Parents

Isis and Osiris

Power / Domain

War, hunt, sky, and protector of the pharaohs

Symbols/Attributes

• falcon
• Wadjet - Horus' Eye
• red and white crown

Notable Myths

• Birth through dead Osiris
• Battle with Set
• Phases of the Moon

Frequently Asked Questions about Horus: Egyptian God

Who was Horus in ancient Egyptian mythology?

Horus was a major god in ancient Egyptian mythology, often depicted as a falcon. He was known as the god of the sky, war, and kingship, and considered the protector of Egypt's pharaohs.

What symbols are associated with Horus?

Horus is commonly represented by the Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection and healing, and the falcon, which signifies his role as the sky god.

Why is the Eye of Horus important?

The Eye of Horus is important because it symbolizes protection, health, and restoration. Ancient Egyptians believed it had magical powers to ward off evil and bring good fortune.

What was Horus’s role in the story of Osiris?

Horus played a key role in the myth of Osiris as his son who avenged his father's death by defeating Set, thus restoring order and becoming the rightful king of Egypt.

How can teachers use Horus in classroom lessons?

Teachers can use Horus to introduce students to ancient Egyptian beliefs, mythology, and symbolism through art projects, mythology stories, and discussions about world cultures.