Was Comic Book Hero Superman Influenced by the Ancient Egyptian Sun God Horus?

Ancient Egypt has made numerous contributions to human civilization, including the pyramids, the mummification process, the production of papyri, as well as art and architecture. Few, however, would ever guess that one of the modern world’s most recognizable heroes may owe his existence to the ancient Egyptians. It has been claimed that DC Comic’s Superman was actually influenced by the Egyptian falcon-headed god, Horus, or as the supporters of this claim call him, Heru.

Proponents of this theory point to the numerous similarities between the two characters and their lives. For instance, it is claimed that both Heru/Horus and Superman are associated with the Sun. While the former is said to be a solar deity, the latter obtains his power from the Sun. In addition, Horus/Heru lost his father, as did Superman. Furthermore, it has been indicated that both figures came to earth from an advanced civilization to escape from destruction. The theme of resurrection is said to be present in both stories, as Horus/Heru is claimed to have ‘resurrected twice as Asar (Osiris) and as an infant’, while Superman also died and was resurrected in his long-running storyline.

Featured image: Superman, Wikipedia/ Fair Use. Horus, an ancient Egyptian falcon headed-deity, Wikimedia Commons. Deriv.