Introduction

Welcome to Edfu, the second largest temple in Kemet, built upon the very battlefield where Horus fought his enemy, Set. Each year, we gather here to perform a ritual drama called "The Ten Harpoons". We reenact the ancient battle to commemorate our Lord's triumph over evil, thus ensuring the strength and stability of King and Kingdom for another year.

"Dignity has been set in place,
honesty has been established through his laws,
evil has departed, wickedness is gone,
the land is at peace under its lord."

It has taken more than two hundred years and six generations of Ptolemies to complete this temple. Some say that in the most ancient times, prehistoric people constructed a lone grass hut here to commemorate the legendary battle. But the oldest sections that remain today, as we see them, were begun in 237 BC by Ptolemy III Euergetes I.

Come one, come all- be part of our audience. Discover the nature of Divine Kingship. I understand that after the play, there will be a great feast-- more than enough hippopotamus to go around.

As we enter the Temple of Edfu, we will pass between two towering 118 foot tall pylons. You will see images of Pharaoh there as he fiercely battles the enemy. Stroll with me down the hall of columns, through the colonnade, and on to the first and second hypostyle halls. Once we pass through the great gates and into the right side courtyard, you will notice the scenes from our play etched into the walls. Take a seat by the Sacred Lake. Follow along with the script. Read, watch and listen, or play along with the actors.

And when at last our triumph is made,
join us in the other courtyard
to sacrifice, serve and eat
the beast!