Significance of Uraei

Uraei, divine serpents originating in the East, are guardians often depicted with flames. They protect deities like Ra, sweep corridors with fire, and symbolize royalty or divine power. Associated with figures like Hetep, they represent the eyes of Ra and are featured alongside Maat's feathers. The uraei are commonly seen as rearing cobras on pharaohs' crowns, embodying divine authority, protection, and the goddess Uatchit, adorning gateways and signifying power.

Synonyms: -", Cobra, Snake

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Uraei'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Uraei in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) These are lifted up to make a specific crown glorious.[1] (2) These are part of a series, along with feathers, emblematic of Maat, crowning the roof.[2] (3) The text refers to being the seven "uraei" which came into existence in the East, which signifies divine serpents and origins in the East.[3] (4) Uraei are associated with Hetep, who is identified as the lord of the two uraei, indicating a position of power and adoration.[4] (5) The uraei are wearing disks and surmount a pylon, or gateway, together with the feathers of Maat in the upper register.[5]

From: The Book of Gates

(1) The uraei are two serpents whose mouths emit flames of fire, sweeping the corridor within the Eleventh Division as the boat of the sun passes through.[6] (2) The uraei are serpent figures that guard the gateway, addressing Ra and protecting the outwork with flames of fire proceeding from their mouths.[7] (3) The uraei are the source of the flames of fire that sweep the corridor, acting as guardians with their fiery breath.[8] (4) The corridor of the gateway is swept by flames of fire, which proceed from the mouths of two uraei, creating a barrier for those who pass through.[9] (5) The uraei guard their flames and fires, hurl them against Ra's enemies, and destroy shadows upon hearing their voices.[10]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Uraei are the rearing cobra symbols often seen on the crowns of Egyptian pharaohs, representing divine authority, protection, and the goddess Uatchit.[11] (2) The uraei, or serpents, are guardians of the wall of the Tenth Division, and they are part of the forces that protect the boat of the god from attack.[12]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The uraei are mounted on their instruments for weaving, pouring forth fire from their mouths, and they kindle fires for the god who is the governor of the Tuat.[13] (2) The uraei, each resting upon its instrument for weaving, are present in the Circle AAT-SETEKAU, symbolizing protection, royalty, or divine power.[14]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) These are twelve entities on the right of the god's path. They lighten the darkness by pouring fire from their mouths.[15]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.