Definition

Noun 1. An ancient Egyptian deity: Horus is a major god in ancient Egyptian religion, depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon's head. He is primarily known as a sky god and is associated with kingship, the sun, and protection. 2. The divine son of Osiris and Isis: In Egyptian mythology, Horus is the child of the gods Osiris and Isis. He is central to the myth of Osiris, where he avenges his father's murder and battles his uncle Set for the rightful rule of Egypt.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pharaoh was considered the living embodiment of Horus on earth.
  • Many amulets were carved in the shape of the Eye of Horus for protection.
  • In the myth, Horus fought Set to reclaim his father's throne.

Advanced Usage

• "The Eye of Horus": A powerful ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power, and good health.
  • The Eye of Horus was commonly used in jewelry and tomb paintings.
• "Horus the Elder" (Harwer): A specific form of Horus, a cosmic sky god, distinct from Horus the son of Osiris.
  • Some texts differentiate between Horus the Elder and Horus the son of Isis.

Variants and Related Words

• Harpocrates: The Greek adaptation of Horus, specifically depicting him as a child.
  • The god Harpocrates is shown with a finger to his lips, symbolizing silence.
• Heru (or Her): An alternative transliteration of the Egyptian name for Horus.

Synonyms

• Falcon god: A descriptive term referencing his depicted form.
• Sky god: A term describing one of his primary divine domains.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• The Contendings of Horus and Set: Refers to the mythological struggle between Horus and his uncle Set over the kingship of Egypt.
  • "The Contendings of Horus and Set" is a key mythological text.
• Horus name: One of the five names used in the royal titulary of pharaohs, identifying the king with Horus.
  • The Horus name was the oldest part of a pharaoh's official titles.

Noun

1. Egyptian solar god with the head of a falcon; the son of Osiris and Isis