Nekhebet

Nekhebet was an ancient Egyptian goddess depicted as a vulture. She was one of the earliest of all Egyptian deities, her worship dating back to the Predynastic period. Her name means "She of Nekheb," referring to the ancient town of Nekheb, which was her cult center. Initially, she was a local protector of Upper Egypt. As the unification of Egypt under one pharaoh began, Nekhebet's role expanded. She became associated with royalty and was considered the divine mother of the pharaoh, the protector of the king. Her imagery often appeared on the royal crowns, specifically the white crown of Upper Egypt, symbolizing her dominion over the southern part of the land.

Nekhebet was frequently paired with Wadjet, the cobra goddess who represented Lower Egypt. Together, they formed the Wadjet and Nekhebet, a powerful duality symbolizing the unified kingdom. The two goddesses would often appear entwined or side-by-side, signifying their joint protection over the pharaoh and the land of Egypt. Her iconography as a vulture was significant, as vultures were seen as symbols of purity and protection, often associated with motherhood and fierceness in defending their young. While not as widely depicted in later periods as some other deities, Nekhebet remained a potent symbol of royal authority and divine protection throughout much of ancient Egyptian history.