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Horus, the falcon god and his role as protector of the pharaohs: His association with royal power

Egyptian mythology is filled with fascinating divinities, but few play as crucial a role as Horus, the mighty falcon god. Renowned for his wisdom and strength, he held a prominent place in the collective and religious imagination of ancient Egypt. This article delves into the depths of history to reveal how Horus became the undisputed protector of the pharaohs and a symbol of Egyptian royal power.

Introduction

Horus and Ancient Egypt

Origins and Associated Myths

  • Legend of Osiris and Isis The epic story surrounding Horus begins with the dramatic tale of Osiris, his murdered father, and Isis, his devoted mother. Osiris, betrayed and killed by his jealous brother Set, was temporarily resurrected by Isis to conceive Horus.

  • Birth and childhood of Horus Horus grew up in secret, far from the malevolent eyes of Set, training to avenge his father and restore justice.

Horus and the succession to the throne

  • The battle against Set A legendary battle ensued for the throne of Egypt, where Horus faced Set in trials as brutal as they were mystical, ultimately resulting in Horus' victory.

  • The unification of Egypt** For the Egyptians, this duel between Horus and Set symbolized the unification of the country and the restoration of harmony after chaos.

The cult of Horus

Main worship centers

  • Edfu and the construction of the temple The temple at Edfu is one of the most majestic, dedicated to Horus, testifying to the eminence of his cult.

  • Other places of worship in Egypt Sanctuaries scattered along the Nile, from Kom Ombo to Behdet, offered each their own echo to the cult of Horus.

Religious practices and rites

  • Ceremonies and offerings Magnificent feasts, dotted with opulent offerings, marked the calendar, celebrating the falcon god with pomp.

  • The role of the priests of Horus** Guardians of the temple and intermediaries between mortals and the divine, the priests of Horus occupied a place of choice in the religious hierarchy.

Horus and the Royal Power

Symbol of pharaonic legitimacy

  • The pharaoh, living incarnation of Horus On ascending the throne, each pharaoh became the earthly incarnation of Horus, linking him unfailingly to the god's power.

  • Crowns and royal insignia linked to Horus The Pschent crowns and the figure of the falcon crowning the royal objects illustrated this divinization of the pharaoh.

Coronation rituals and funerary rites

  • Consecration of sovereigns The coronation of a new pharaoh was a solemn event, sanctified by the symbolic of Horus.

  • Horus in the pyramid texts In these ancient writings, Horus watched over the ascension of the deceased sovereign, guiding his spirit to the afterlife.

Horus Protector of the Pharaohs

Personal and divine protector

  • Horus and the Eye of Udjat The Eye of Horus, representing healing and protection, was worn as a talisman to ward off evil.

  • Protection myths and their meanings** These stories emphasize Horus' role as guardian, evoking his eternal vigilance towards Egypt's rulers.

Extensions into Egyptian history

  • Influence on later pharaohs Long after the first dynasties, the image of Horus still guided princes and strategists.

  • Adaptations and evolutions of the cult of Horus Throughout the ages, the figure of Horus has metamorphosed, but his essence as protector has remained intact.

Horus in the Arts and Iconography

Artistic representations of Horus

  • Statues and reliefs Throughout Egypt, images of Horus illustrate his importance and omnipresence .

  • Representations in tombs and temples** From murals to sarcophagi, Horus has watched over the eternal dwellings of the pharaohs for thousands of years.

The symbolism of Horus in Egyptian art

  • The attributes of the falcon god The sun disk above the falcon's head illustrates divine royalty and protection.

  • Interpretations and iconographic variations Whether as Harpocrates, the wise child, or as a victorious warrior, Horus manifests various aspects of his power.

Conclusion

Summary of Horus' importance

Horus is much more than just another god in the Egyptian pantheon. He is the living symbol of continuity of power, divine protection, and royal legitimacy.

Continuing influence in modern culture

Horus continues to fascinate, from art to pop culture, proving his indelible imprint on our collective imagination.

Prospects for future research on Horus and the Egyptian pantheon

Although the sands have covered many secrets, future research and discoveries promise to reveal even more about the complexity of Horus and the richness of Egyptian mythology.