Heh was the personification of infinity - usually in the temporal sense of eternity. In hieroglyphic writing the figure of Heh was used to denote a million. The god was thus associated with the idea of millions of years and is sometimes paired with the female deity Hauhet representing the alternative Egyptian word for eternity, djet. Mythologically, however, Heh - along with his consort Hauhet - was a member of the ogdoad of eight primeval deities worshipped at Hermopolis Magna. The god was also associated with the myth of the ‘celestial cow’ who was supported by Shu and eight Heh deities - two at each leg - and with the solar barque which Heh lifted back into the sky at the end of its nocturnal journey through the netherworld.
Iconography
Heh is depicted in male anthropomorphic form, with divine wig and beard, usually kneeling and
(Below left) The god Hauron in falcon form. Statue of Ramesses 11 from Tanis, Egyptian Museum, Cairo.
The statue base is inscribed ‘Ramesses, beloved of Hauron. 19th dynasty.
(Below) Heh, the personification of infinity, holds the notched palm branches which were the ancient method of recording time and thus the hieroglyphic signs for ‘years’. Detail of decorated chair of Tutankhamun. 18th dynasty. Egyptian Museum, Cairo.
Grasping in each hand a notched palm branch which was used for ceremonial time/record-keeping in the temples and was thus used as the hieroglyphic symbol for ‘years’. Sometimes a palm branch is also placed on the god’s head. In detailed representations the palm branches are given additional elements such as the tadpole glyph for ‘100,000’ or the shen ring of ‘eternity’. The god often kneels on a basket signifying ‘all’ or universality, and may have ankh signs suspended from his hands or arms. Heh deities may also be depicted in the mythological settings described above - supporting the celestial cow or the solar barque of Re.
World History
