![]() Statue of a pharaoh as an earthlymanifestation of Horus ( GreenLaurel / Adobe Stock) The Osiris Myth: Legendary Rivalry Between Horus and Set When Narmer, a ruler from Nekhen considered to be the unifier of Egypt, succeeded in controlling both Upper and Lower Egypt, this concept of the pharaoh as an earthly manifestation of Horus achieved national importance. One of these falcon cult centers was Nekhen, known also in Greek as Hierakonpolis, which means ‘Hawk City.’ The inhabitants of Nekhen believed that the reigning king was the manifestation of Horus. At that time, there were many falcon cults in Egypt, and Horus was worshipped in these places as a local god. It is believed that Horus was worshipped as early as the late Predynastic Period. As a major god there are numerous myths about the cult of Horus that form a key part of Ancient Egyptian religion. By this time, however, the depiction of the god was altered, so as to fit the changing times. The cult of Horus continued even during the Graeco-Roman period in Egypt. Horus is easily recognized thanks to the fact that he is depicted as a man with the head of a falcon, although the god is also commonly depicted just as a falcon. In the cult of Horus, the pharaohs, for instance, were believed to be the earthly embodiment of the god. ![]() The ancient Egyptians worshipped Horus mainly as the sky god and the god of kingship. Horus (also known as Heru) was one of the most important deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. ![]()
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