Nekheb

Nekheb was a prominent ancient Egyptian goddess, often depicted as a vulture. She was the patron deity of Upper Egypt, and her name literally means "She of Nekheb," referring to the ancient city of Nekhen (modern Hierakonpolis). As a vulture, Nekheb symbolized protection, particularly the protection of royalty and the pharaoh. She was also associated with the sky and the sun, and sometimes seen as a mother goddess.

Her iconography typically shows her with a vulture's head, often wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt, symbolizing her dominion over that region. She was frequently depicted in conjunction with her Lower Egyptian counterpart, Wadjet, who was the patron goddess of Lower Egypt and depicted as a cobra. Together, they symbolized the unification of Egypt. Nekheb was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the deceased in the afterlife. She was considered a fierce protectress, and inscriptions often portray her extending her wings to shield the king. Her cult was ancient and widespread, with her image appearing on many temple walls and royal monuments throughout Egyptian history. Her importance waned with the decline of ancient Egyptian religion.