The Bird Gods of Ancient Egypt

Falcon/Hawk: The Falcon or Hawk is usually associated with the God Horus. It is believed that the Falcon had special protective powers and is often represented hovering over or protecting a Pharaoh. The Falcon was also sacred to Montu, the god of war and Sokar the god of the Memphite necropolis. Qebehsenuef, the son of Horus and the protector of the canopic jar of the intestines was also often represented as a Falcon.

Goose: Known as the ‘Great Cackler’ when in Goose Form, the Goose was sacred to the god Geb. Geb often is represented as the ‘earth’ god and he is the father of the goddess Isis who is sometimes referred to as the ‘egg of the Goose’.

Heron: The heron is interesting in Egyptian mythology. Some view it as the original Phoenix, a symbol of sun and rebirth. One practical reason for this, is herons would be likely be plentiful during the rainy season and their nesting season would likely coincide with the spring planting and flooding of the Nile. The heron is closely linked with Heliopolis (Sun-City). It is also the Ba (depiction/Soul) of both the gods Ra and Osiris.

Ibis: Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom or knowledge was always depicted as having the head of an Ibis. The Greeks viewed him as similar to the Greek god Hermes. As Thoth was one of the major Egyptian dieties, the Ibis, like the Falcon was very sacred to the ancient Egyptians.

Ostritch: Maat, the goddess of truth, justice and the, er, Egyptian way is often depcited as a woman seated with an Ostritch feather headress or sometimes just as the feather.

Vulture: Sacred to the goddess Nekhbet, the goddess of upper Egypt and also Mut, the ‘mother’ goddess. The Vulture represents eternal power and protection. This makes a lot of sense, since Vultures are scavangers by nature, it is no surprise that they had become associated with eternity. As they eat the flesh of the dead, it can be assumed that they consume the soul of the departed. When finished the vulture soars off into the sky, carrying the departed soul to heaven. Because Egyptian dynastic mythology was caught up into immortality (mummies anyone?), the Vulture was very often depcited in association with the many rulers of Egypt.