Pharaoh
Responsibilities
The chief responsibility of the pharaoh is to maintain ma’at throughout the land. The goddess Ma’at (pronounced 'may-et’ or 'my-eht’) provides harmony through the pharaoh but it is up to the individual ruler to interpret the goddess’ will correctly and to then act on it. Accordingly, warfare is an essential aspect of the rule of pharaoh, especially when it is seen as necessary for the restoration of balance and harmony in the land. The pharaoh has a sacred duty to defend the borders of the land, but also to attack neighboring countries for natural resources if it is thought that this is in the interest of harmony.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Heqa scepter, or crook, is often depicted held by the king. The crook symbolizes the very concept of rule and is even employed as the hieroglyph for the word "rule" or "ruler." The crook is a cane with a hooked handle, sometimes gold-plated and reinforced with blue copper bands.
The Was-scepter is another early part of the royal regalia, symbolizing dominion, more in the divine sphere than in the earthly realm. This scepter consists of a straight shaft with its handle in the shape of a canine head, and the base ending in two prongs. As a symbol of power, the scepter is held by deities as well as by the king.
The uraeus remained a symbol of the king throughout Dynastic history. It was the rearing cobra worn on the kings brow. The cobra represented the "Eye of Ra," placed upon the brow of the king to protect him against his enemies.
The king wares many different crowns and headdresses. The most familiar are the red crown, the white crown, and the double crown made up of both red and white crowns.
The red crown, or deshret, may very well have originated in Upper Iteru, although it eventually became associated as the symbol of Lower Iteru. The white crown, or hedjet, was always associated with Upper Iteru. The double crown, or pschent, symbolized the kings rule of both Upper and Lower ITeru, that is, he ruled the Two Lands as one. The atef crown was worn for certain religious rituals. It's basically the white crown with a plume on either side and a small disc at the top. The blue crown is also known as the war crown. It is made of cloth adorned with golden discs.
Cultural Significance
The ultimate religious and secular authority in Deshret, and previously in Kaheb.
Type
Nobility, Hereditary
Form of Address
Your Majesty
Alternative Naming
Lord of the Upper and Lower, The Golden Horus, Son of Ra, High Priest of Every Temple
Source of Authority
Presumed divine heritage
Length of Term
Lifetime
Current Holders
Related Organizations
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