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The Myth of Isis and Osiris: Unveiling Insights into Ancient Egyptian Beliefs and

Society

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The Myth of Isis and Osiris: Unveiling Insights into Ancient Egyptian Beliefs and

Society

One of the ancient Egyptian myths, the myth of Isis and Osiris, gives us an understanding

of the cultural and religious ideas of ancient Egypt. The story does not take up the Moon's

growth and dimness or how it or the Sun was the brightest, but focuses on the gods and their part

in making the world (Van Dijk, 1995). In contrast, the film portrays the supremacy and single

power of Osiris by depicting him as the permanent ruler of the country following the revelation

of the Secret Name of the sun-god Re. This therefore indicates how strong the monarchies were

and the society's emphasis on their power, being a representation of Ma'at, the universal order

that Pharaohs were meant to maintain.

Osiris, the good sovereign and the embodiment of wisdom, introduces knowledge,

agriculture, and law to the people, which brings peace and prosperity. Osiris as a good king

reflects the ancient Egyptian beliefs about the role of a ruler (Van Dijk, 1995). The “Golden

Rule” is the part of the myth which reflects the moral values of this historical period stressing the

necessity of a fair and enlightened leader.

The story also shows Isis ruling over Egypt well in the absence of Osiris, hence

presenting the female leadership in the good light (Van Dijk, 1995). This is a reflection of the

historical influence of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh, by which mythology and history are

intertwined with the notions of gender roles, and leadership characteristics in ancient Egypt.

The terms ‘ anthropoidal coffins ‘ or ‘ sarcosphagi ’ in the context of Osiris' burial

emphasize the importance of preserving the body for the afterlife (Van Dijk, 1995). Although the

myth doesn't provide the detailed explanation of the funeral ritual itself, it can be linked to the
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broader Egyptian beliefs in resurrection and the importance of bodily integrity in the journey to

the afterlife.

It is interesting how the bird/woman imagery of the myth relates to earlier representations

such as the Naqada II fertility figure. This implies that the linkage of bird motifs with divine

entities and transformative powers was sustained over the Egyptian cultural and religious history.

With regard to the recovery of Osiris's body, the myth stresses the fact that the body has

to be whole for the afterlife (Van Dijk, 1995). Isis's magical ability to give life to an inanimate

object and the use of a replica of the missing body parts show that the ancient Egyptians believed

in resurrection and paid very careful attention to the dead's bodies as they went through the next

life.

In the end, Horus's decision to pick the horse as the most appropriate animal for taking

revenge for his parents shows his strategic capabilities and readiness for a battle (Van Dijk,

1995). This decision gives a hint on the character of Horus and follows the main idea of the

ancient Egyptian power of the sword and injustice.

Would I be Horus, the lion may be the most honorable animal for me to avenge my

parents. The lion, as recognized in many cultures with attributes such as strength, courage and

royalty, represents ferocity and power. In the ancient Egyptian iconography lions were connected

to gods and were representing the forces of protection (Van Dijk, 1995). Selecting a lion could

mean a fearless and an imposing creature, which in turn would represent the qualities that the

mythological character needed to overcome the antagonist, Seth.

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In a nutshell, the Isis and Osiris myth is a fabric of culture, religion, and society in

ancient Egypt. It offers important points that will reveal how the people of Egypt perceived

leadership, afterlife, and what the Egyptians used to believe in.

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Reference

Van Dijk, J. (1995). Myth and mythmaking in ancient Egypt. Civilizations of the ancient Near

East, 3, 1697-1709.