Egyptian Myth

• The Osiris myth reached its basic form in or before the 24th century BC. Many of its elements originated in religious ideas.

• Scholars have tried to discern the exact nature of the events that gave rise to the story, but they have reached no definitive conclusions.

• Parts of the myth appear in a wide variety of Egyptian texts, from funerary texts and magical spells to short stories.

• Yet no Egyptian source gives a full account of the myth, and the sources vary widely in their versions of events.

• Greek and Roman writings, particularly De Iside et Osiride by Plutarch, provide more information but may not always accurately reflect Egyptian beliefs. Through these writings, the Osiris myth persisted after knowledge of most ancient Egyptian beliefs was lost, and it is still well known today.

• The details of these sacred events differ greatly from one text to another and often seem contradictory.

• Mythology profoundly influenced Egyptian culture. It inspired or influenced many religious rituals and provided the ideological basis for kingship. Scenes and symbols from myth appeared in art in tombs, temples, and amulets.

Egyptian Myth:

Osiris, Isis & Horus

Isis, Protective Goddess

• Isis was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus.

• Isis is associated with thrones because her lap was the

first 'throne' that Horus sat upon.

• This amulet is called the 'Isis knot' and is a symbol of protection.

Horus, Hawkman• Horus was a god of the sky.• He is probably most well-

known as the protector of the ruler of Egypt.

• The Egyptians believed that the pharaoh was the 'living Horus'.

•  The eye was restored to him and it became a symbol of protection for the ancient Egyptians.

Osiris, Lord of the dead• Osiris was the god of the

dead, and ruler of the underworld.

• Osiris was the brother/husband of Isis. He was also the father of Horus.

• As well as being a god of the dead, Osiris was a god of resurrection and fertility. In fact, the ancient Egyptians believed that Osiris gave them the gift of barley, one of their most important crops.

Set, Chaos and more chaos• Set was the god of chaos. • Set represented everything that

threatened harmony in Egypt.• He was the brother of Osiris and

Isis, as well as the brother/husband of Nepthys. He murdered his brother Osiris, then battled with his nephew Horus to be the ruler of the living.

• At certain times in the history of ancient Egypt, Seth was associated with royalty.

Osiris and Set

• Background• Trick• Capture• Ruler

Osiris and isis

• Background• Sad• Searching• Finds• Dead but Alive• Underworld

Horus and set

• On the run• Growing up• Confrontation• New ruler• Thoth• New Eye

Interpretations

• Archetypes• Good V.S. Evil• Power Hungry• Mutiny• Greed