Is Horus the Same as Ra?

Horus and Ra are both significant deities in ancient Egyptian mythology, but they are not the same. Each has distinct roles, attributes, and stories associated with them.

Horus is often depicted as a falcon-headed god and is associated with the sky, kingship, and protection. He is known for his role in the myth of Osiris, where he avenges his father’s death and battles his uncle Set. Horus is also considered the god of the living pharaoh, symbolizing divine kingship.

Ra, on the other hand, is the sun god and one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. Ra is often depicted as a man with a falcon head, crowned with a sun disk encircled by a cobra. He is associated with creation, life, and the daily journey of the sun across the sky. Ra is believed to travel through the underworld at night and be reborn each morning.

While both Horus and Ra are falcon-headed and have connections to the sky, their roles and significance in Egyptian mythology are distinct. Horus is more closely tied to kingship and protection, whereas Ra is central to the concept of creation and the cycle of life.

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