Ancient Egyptian Myth: The Triumph of Isis and Horus

The Myth of Osiris, Isis, and Horus

Osiris: The Benevolent King of Egypt

Osiris was a great king; his reign was very beneficial for his subjects. He civilized Egypt, teaching them vital skills:

• Cultivating the land and preparing the soil.
• Utilizing metalworking and tools.
• Establishing just laws.
• Instilling love and respect for the gods.

Osiris married his sister, Isis, a powerful goddess who helped him greatly and ruled in his stead when he was absent.

Seth's Treachery and Osiris's Death

Osiris had a brother named Seth, who was consumed by jealousy and spent his time plotting evil against the king. Seth devised a treacherous plan:

1. Seth commissioned a magnificent chest (or sarcophagus) built precisely to Osiris's measurements.
2. He held a grand banquet, inviting Osiris and 60 accomplices.
3. Seth proposed a game: whoever fit perfectly inside the chest would win it as a prize.

Everyone tried, but only Osiris fit. Once Osiris was inside, Seth and his accomplices quickly sealed the chest and threw it into the river, where it eventually drifted out to sea, resulting in Osiris's death.

Isis's Search and Resurrection

His wife, Isis, started a tireless search for the body. She eventually found it, retrieved it, and using her powerful magic, performed the necessary rites and resurrected Osiris. However, Osiris decided to become the King of the Kingdom of the Dead.

The Vengeance of Horus

Isis bore a son named Horus, whom she raised in secret. Horus later sought to avenge his father and reclaim the throne from Seth. After many conflicts and two great trials before the divine council, Horus won the dispute. Horus inherited the kingdom, and Seth ultimately went with Ra to the heavens.