Eye of Horus

ancient Egyptian symbol

Also known as: utchat

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Eye of Horus, in ancient Egypt, symbol representing protection, health, and restoration.

According to Egyptian myth, Horus lost his left eye in a struggle with Seth. The eye was magically restored by Hathor, and this restoration came to symbolize the process of making whole and healing. For this reason, the symbol was often used in amulets.

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This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.