The most captivating myth of the Egyptian Civilization in Kemet is the story of Heru, the Son of Ausar (Osiris) and Auset (Isis), which stands out as a powerful allegory of life and a foundational narrative of Kemetic Spirituality.
This primordial myth of the story of Heru, the Son of Ausar (Osiris) and Auset (Isis) emerged in Ancient Kemet at least as far back as 3000 BC, and embodies the struggle between good and evil which is the basis for the modern concept of the Hero.
We delve into the Myth of Heru, examining its symbolism and enduring relevance.
The Myth of Heru
To understand the Myth of Heru and its significance, it is important to grasp the essence of Kemetic Spirituality.
The Ancient Egyptians of Kemet had a deep reverence for the natural world and their religion emphasized the interconnectedness of all existence.
The mythological stories of Kemet served as both entertainment and moral instruction, illustrating the fundamental principles of life and spirituality by teaching the submission of The Will (Heru) to Divine Law (Maat) in the pursuit of individual destiny.
The Myth of Heru revolves around the central characters of Ausar, Auset, Heru, and Set.
Ausar, the Founder of Kemet, represented order, fertility, and wisdom. His brother Set, however, personified chaos, violence, and disruption.
Set, driven by jealousy and ambition, sought to claim the throne of Kemet by killing Ausar.
Set’s usurpation of Ausar’s Power, and Heru’s subsequent struggle to regain this power symbolised by the Throne Of Kemet from Set lies at the core of the Myth of Heru.
Heru, the Heroic protagonist, is conceived by Auset after Ausar’s death. Heru grows up in seclusion, gaining knowledge and wisdom under the guidance of his mother.
When Heru reaches adulthood, Heru embarks on a quest to reclaim the Throne of Kemet which rightfully belongs to him.
The myth portrays Heru as a courageous and virtuous figure, representing the triumph of good over evil.
Heru’s journey is rife with challenges and tests, both physical and spiritual.
However, Heru eventually defeats Set in a series of battles and ultimately reclaims the Throne, restoring order and harmony (Maat) to Kemet.
Symbolism And Allegory In The Myth Of Heru
The Myth of Heru carries profound symbolism and serves as an allegory for the human experience.
It encapsulates the eternal struggle between the forces of light and darkness, righteousness and malevolence.
Set symbolizes chaos, ego, and the lower self, while Heru embodies The Will free to pursue its destiny to eventually discover that the Higher Self (The Throne Of Kemet) can only be attained by following Divine Law (Maat).
The story of Ausar’s death and Heru’s subsequent quest mirrors the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that occur within nature. It represents the triumph of life over death, highlighting the Kemetic belief in the immortality of the soul and the possibility of transcendence through spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Furthermore, the myth emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony.
Heru’s victory over Set signifies the restoration of cosmic equilibrium, reminding individuals of their responsibility to maintain harmony within themselves and in the world around them.
Influence Of The Myth Of Heru On The Concept Of The Hero
The Myth of Heru provides the foundation for the modern concept of the Hero. The Heroic archetype seen in Heru’s character, with his noble qualities and his unwavering determination to fight against injustice, has resonated throughout history and across cultures.
The myth’s influence on subsequent mythologies and heroic narratives is evident.
From Ancient Greece to contemporary superhero stories, the journey of the hero follows a series of steps among which are The Ordeal, Call to Adventure and Resurrection.
The story of Heru has resonated across cultures throughout history due to its timeless themes and the archetypal qualities of the Hero.
Heru’s quest to avenge his father’s murder and reclaim the Throne of Kemet exemplifies bravery, resilience, and righteousness. It serves as a moral compass, inspiring individuals to stand up against injustice and to cultivate the higher aspects of their nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Myth of Heru is the Primordial Hero Myth that laid the groundwork for the modern concept of the Hero which has influenced numerous mythologies, literature, and modern storytelling since ancient times.
The Hero’s journey, as depicted in the Myth of Heru, involves overcoming challenges, discovering inner strength, and ultimately triumphing over adversity.
Heru’s journey speaks to the universal human desire for justice, courage, and the triumph of good.
The allegorical nature of the Myth of Heru also reflects the fundamental teachings of Kemetic Spirituality because the story of Heru encourages individuals to align with their higher selves by cultivating virtue (Maat) in the pursuit of their goals.
