Once upon a time in the ancient kingdom of Egypt there was a wise and just ruler named Osiris. He was not only a king, but also a deity who brought knowledge, skill in agriculture, and prosperity to his people. His reign was marked by harmony, abundance, and a flourishing civilization. Osiris' happiness was marred by his brother Set, the god of chaos and disorder. Seth envies his brother's rule and longs for the throne of Egypt. Driven by jealousy and ambition, he devises a cunning plan to eliminate him and take power.

The fraudulent holiday

Seth organized a great celebration to honor his brother's accomplishments as ruler. He invites Osiris and seventy-two nobles to celebrate. Osiris is unaware, however, that this celebration is actually a sinister plot. In the midst of the celebration, Seth displays a beautifully decorated chest and offers a contest - whoever can fit into it perfectly will receive it as a gift. As each noble tries to fit into the chest, it becomes clear that it is tailored to Osiris' measurements. When the ruler goes inside, Seth and his conspirators immediately close the chest and seal it with nails and molten lead. Osiris is trapped, killed cut into 14 pieces which are thrown into the Nile River.

The Resurrection

News of Osiris' betrayal and disappearance reaches his devoted wife Isis. Heartbroken, she embarks on a tireless search to find her beloved husband and bring him back to life. She and her sister Nephthys, Seth's wife, find and bury all the pieces except the phallus. Using her immense magical powers, Isis breathed new life into Osiris. She relaxed on his divine phallus and the seed penetrated her. She conceived a child from him, and then he merged with the stars and took over the realm of the dead. Isis gave birth to a son named Horus, who grew up to become the prince of Egypt. Although Osiris was brought back from the dead, he was unable to rule Egypt as king. He became god of the underworld kingdom and judge of souls, ensuring that the righteous would be rewarded in the afterlife while the wicked faced judgment.

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Symbolism in the myth of Osiris

The myth of Osiris is a rich narrative full of symbolism that carries deep spiritual and moral messages.

Death and Resurrection

At its core, myth symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and death. Murder represents death and chaos, while resurrection represents rebirth and order. This cycle reflects the annual flooding of the Nile and the rejuvenation of the earth, emphasizing the idea that death is not the end but a transition to a new phase.

Justice and righteousness

Osiris is often portrayed as a just and benevolent ruler, while Set represents chaos and deceit. Seth's murder of Osiris symbolizes the triumph of injustice and tyranny, but his resurrection and the eventual victory of his son Horus embody the triumph of justice and righteousness over chaos.

Motherhood and parenting

Isis, as a devoted wife and mother who goes to great lengths to raise her husband and protect her son , symbolizes the power of motherhood, love and nurturing. Her actions emphasize the importance of family ties and maternal love in Egyptian society.

Succession and legitimacy

The conflict over the throne is a struggle for legitimacy and legal succession. Horus, as the legitimate heir of Osiris and rightful king, embodies the concept of legitimate rule, order, and succession.

The roles of Osiris, Isis, Seth and Horus

Osiris personifies the god of the afterlife and resurrection. His role is key in understanding the cyclical nature of life and death. It serves as a symbol of renewal and a promise of life after death, providing hope in the face of mortality. He represents the just and benevolent ruler, the ideal pharaoh whose reign brings prosperity and order.

Isis plays a central role as the wife of Osiris and a symbol of maternal love, care and devotion. Her magical abilities, including her power to resurrect Osiris, make her an important figure in myth. Isis represents the unshakable determination to reclaim what has been lost and the power of love to conquer death.

Seth represents chaos, jealousy and deceit. Killing his brother symbolizes the destructive forces in the world, but also serves as a reminder that chaos cannot ultimately prevail. Seth's actions highlight the challenges facing righteousness and justice in the world.

Choirson of Osiris and Isis, embodies the rightful heir to the throne and the personification of justice and order. His conflict with Seth over the throne represents the struggle between legitimacy and chaos. Horus' eventual victory over Seth highlights the triumph of justice and the restoration of order.

The Myth of Osiris is a narrative that uses the symbolism and roles of its central characters to convey basic messages about life, death, justice, and the enduring power of love and righteousness. It provides a moral compass and a source of hope in the face of life's challenges and the transformative journey from mortality to eternity.