MYTHOLOGY MEME: two objects – the uraeus diadem [2/2]
The Uraeus—the stylized, upright form of an Egyptian cobra used as a symbol of sovereignty, royalty, deity, and divine authority in ancient Egypt—is a symbol for the goddess Wadjet, who often was depicted as a cobra and was the patron of Lower Egypt. When Egypt was unified, the image of Nekhbet, who was represented as a white vulture and was the patron of Upper Egypt, joined the image of Wadjet on the Uraeus that would encircle the crown of the pharaohs. Together, they were known as The Two Ladies and became the joint protectors and patrons of the unified Egypt. It was believed that the Uraeus protected the pharaoh by spitting fire on their enemies from the fiery eye of the goddess. (x)