Horus the Elder (Heru-wer) is an Egyptian god associated with battle, protection, and prosperity. In myth he is the son of Geb and Nut and a sibling of Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys, and thus the uncle of Horus the Younger. Horus is a particularly complex deity; he appears under a number of names and in a number of guises, most notably Horus the Elder (Heru-wer) and Horus the Younger (Heru-sa-Aset) but he has other significant aspects as well. He had a particular center of worship in the city of Hierakonopolis (Nekhen). Horus the Elder is depicted here as a man with the head of a hawk. He carries the was staff, a symbol of power, in one hand and the ankh, a symbol of life, in the other. He may also be depicted wearing the white crown or <i>Hedjet</i> of Upper Egypt, or in the full form of a hawk. Heru-wer, great of terror, lord of flame, granter of a heart bold and brave, I praise and honor you.
