The famous rift between Horus and Seth is one of the most popular legends of the Ancient Egyptian religion. However, these two conflicting gods are also essential to another legend—a myth of unification.

“[Geb commanded] that the Ennead assemble before him,

and he separated Horus and Seth,

he prevented them from carrying on their conflict.

He set up Seth as nswt (can mean “south” or “political”) king in Upper Egypt…

And thus Geb set up Horus as bit (can mean “north” or “religious”) king in Lower Egypt even to the place where his father had drowned.

Thus Horus stood in one place,

and Seth stood in another place,

they “agreed” on the two countries in Ayan.

That is the boundary between the two lands.”

This excerpt derives from a longer tale found on the 25th Dynasty’s Shabaqo Stone (aka Memphite Theology), depicted in the bottommost photograph. An artistic portrayal of this event can be seen in the top image (from the throne pedestal of Sesostis I), with Horus and Seth tying a knot—unifying two distinct lands. If you look closely at this representation, you will see two common symbols; the lotus of Upper Egypt (on Seth’s side), and papyrus of Lower Egypt at Horus’ feet.

This myth is seen early on in the historical record with the ascension of pharaohs, who were seen as the incarnation of both gods. At his coronation, each new king repeated the unification of the Two Lands. Similarly, the queen’s title literally translated to “She who sees Horus and Seth”. Clearly, this dualistic legend resounded in various aspects of the lives of the Egyptian elite. 

Anubis is probably one of the most widely known gods of the Ancient Egyptian religion. Generally portrayed as a jackal, or a man with a jackal’s head—Anubis was worshipped throughout Egypt beginning in the Early Period. In this Period and into the Old Kingdom, he held a prominent position as lord of the dead; but was later overshadowed by Osiris. He was most often regarded as the child of Hesat and Mnevis (particularly in earlier years). Anubis was the god of embalming and a guardian of secrets. The bottom right image is from a brilliant mural found within Sennedjem (a prominent artisan)’s tomb. 

The Ptolemaic Period brought about a significant movement to merge Mediterranean and Egyptian cultures, including religions. A prime example of such a convergence is the god Hermanubis (see top image). A combination of the Egyptian god Anubis and the Greek messenger god Hermes (bottom left image), Hermanubis was popular in the Mediterranean during Roman occupation of Egypt. Akin to Anubis’ appearance, Hermanubis was half-man, half-jackal. However, he also carried the iconic caduceus of Hermes. He was considered to be Osiris and Nephthys’ son—and most often represented the Egyptian priesthood. 

This is merely one example of the reciprocal relationship between Mediterranean and Egyptian societies; similar influences can be seen in not only religion (another great example is the Cult of Isis)—but in art and other aspects of culture as well!