The story of Osiris is the most important myth of ancient Egypt. It tells of a good king murdered by his jealous brother, brought back to life by his devoted wife, and avenged by his son. It explained why kings ruled, why the Nile flooded, and how every Egyptian could hope to live again after death.
The murder
Osiris ruled Egypt wisely and taught people farming and law. His brother Seth, god of chaos, was jealous. He tricked Osiris into lying in a beautiful chest made to his measurements, slammed the lid shut and threw it into the Nile. In later versions, Seth found the body again and cut it into pieces, scattering them across Egypt.
Isis and the rebirth
Osiris’s wife, Isis, searched the land with her sister Nephthys, gathered the pieces and, with the help of Anubis, wrapped them together as the first mummy. Using her magic, Isis brought Osiris back to life long enough to conceive a son, Horus. Osiris then became king of the underworld and judge of the dead.
.Horus and Seth
Isis hid the baby Horus in the papyrus marshes of the Delta. When he grew up he fought Seth for the throne in a long series of battles, losing an eye, the Eye of Horus, which was later healed. In the end the gods declared Horus the rightful king. Every living pharaoh was seen as Horus, and every dead pharaoh became Osiris.
Where to see the story
The myth is carved at Abydos, the holy city of Osiris, at Edfu, where the battle of Horus and Seth fills the outer walls, and at Philae, the temple of Isis. Read more about the Egyptian gods and goddesses.
