Horus Name

Definition

The Horus Name is one of the five names in the royal titulary of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, representing the king's divine connection to the sky god Horus. This name typically appears within a cartouche and symbolizes the ruler's role as a protector of Egypt, emphasizing their legitimacy and divine authority. The Horus Name was crucial for asserting power and linking the king to both the divine and earthly realms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Horus Name is often depicted in art and inscriptions alongside other titles, reinforcing the pharaoh's divine right to rule.
2. Each Horus Name was unique to the individual pharaoh, serving as a personal identifier that highlighted their achievements and divine favor.
3. The first Horus Name recorded belongs to Narmer, one of the early rulers of Egypt, symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
4. The Horus Name reflects the dual nature of the pharaoh's role, both as a mortal leader and as an earthly manifestation of the god Horus.
5. Changes in the Horus Name during a ruler's reign could indicate significant events such as military victories or changes in political power.

Review Questions

• How does the Horus Name function within the context of royal titulary, and what significance does it hold for pharaonic authority?
  • The Horus Name is an essential component of the royal titulary, showcasing a pharaoh's divine connection and legitimacy as ruler. It establishes a direct link between the king and Horus, highlighting the belief that pharaohs were considered living gods on Earth. This relationship underpins the political structure of ancient Egypt, where divine approval was crucial for maintaining power and authority.
• Analyze how the use of cartouches enhances the representation of the Horus Name and its importance in royal iconography.
  • Cartouches serve as protective symbols surrounding a pharaoh's name, including their Horus Name, which elevates its significance in royal iconography. By encasing the name in a cartouche, it emphasizes its sanctity and importance in ensuring that the ruler's identity remains safe from evil forces. This artistic representation reinforces the divine nature of kingship in ancient Egypt and visually asserts the power associated with each name.
• Evaluate the impact of changing a pharaoh’s Horus Name on their legacy and how it reflects broader societal or political changes in ancient Egypt.
  • Altering a pharaoh’s Horus Name can signify important shifts in their reign, reflecting military victories or changes in political alliances. Such changes not only impact how they are remembered historically but also indicate how they navigated their relationship with divinity and power during their rule. This practice reveals much about societal expectations regarding kingship and highlights how rulers sought to maintain their legitimacy in a dynamic political landscape.

Related terms

Royal Titulary: The complete set of titles that a pharaoh held, which included multiple names, each reflecting different aspects of their reign and authority.

Cartouche: An oval-shaped emblem that encircles the name of a pharaoh, signifying their royal status and providing protection from evil.

Horus:

An ancient Egyptian sky god associated with kingship and the protection of the pharaoh, often depicted as a falcon or as a man with a falcon head.