The ankh hieroglyph means 'life'. It's image source is shrouded in mystery with various possibilities being presented: a sacred or magical knot, a sandal strap, or penis sheath. Regardless of what it once represented, it was potent symbol in Ancient Egypt. Numerous representations on the walls of tomb have it presented to the king by a god - symbolically showing the king receiving immortal life. In a union with the elements of air and water it is shown placed at the nostrils of the king, giving him "the breath of life". Or it replaces water as it is poured over the head of the king during ritual purification.