Western civilization I

Egyptian Mythology Overview on Osiris and Horus

• Sarcophagus: A sarcophagus is a coffin resembling a human form, often adorned with the likeness of the deceased. For example, King Tut's sarcophagus has his image with arms crossed, symbolizing his identity and role in the afterlife.

• The Story of Osiris: Osiris was murdered by his brother Seth, who tricked him into fitting into a sarcophagus and then sealed it shut, leading to Osiris's death.

  • Osiris's Death: After sealing Osiris in the sarcophagus, Seth threw it into the river, which led to Osiris dying.

  • Discovery by Isis: Osiris's wife, Isis, went out in search of his body for a proper burial to ensure his safe passage into the afterlife. She enlisted her sister and friends for the burial rituals.

  • Seth's Revenge: Upon learning that Isis recovered Osiris' body, Seth dismembered Osiris into 14 pieces, scattering them throughout the land.

  • Isis's Journey: Transformed into a bird, Isis searched for and collected the pieces of Osiris's body, managing to restore him to life during the full moon, thus transforming him into a mummy.

• Egyptian Beliefs About the Afterlife: The Egyptians believed in the need for the physical body to be preserved for the deceased to exist in the afterlife:

  • Role of Mummification: Mummification was essential for ensuring the deceased's body was intact for the afterlife.

  • Osiris as King of the Underworld: After his resurrection, Osiris became the ruler of the underworld, overseeing the judgment of souls.

• Horus: After Isis gave birth to their son Horus, he was raised to eventually challenge Seth.

  • The Contending of Horus: This myth describes the conflicts and challenges Horus faced against Seth to determine who would be the chief god.

  • Role of Horus and Seth: Horus was tasked with carrying the sun across the sky, while Seth took on the role of a protector and messenger during Horus's nightly journey through the underworld.

• Conclusion: The interplay between Osiris, Isis, Horus, and Seth is central to Egyptian mythology, illustrating themes of death, resurrection, and the eternal struggle between order and chaos in the divine realm.