The Ancients The Legend of Osiris, King of the Dead
Oct 3, 2024
Dr. Campbell Price, an expert on Egyptian mythology, joins to unravel the chilling tale of Osiris, the King of the Dead. They dive deep into his tragic demise at the hands of his brother Set and the heroic efforts of his wife, Isis, to restore him. The intense conflict between Osiris's son Horus and Set unfolds, revealing themes of power, chaos, and legitimacy. The discussion also connects the Osiris legend to the ancient practice of mummification, showcasing its deep influences on beliefs about death and rebirth in ancient Egypt.
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Isis Reassembles Osiris
- Isis transforms into a bird to find Osiris’s dismembered body parts spread across Egypt.
- She reassembles him, missing the phallus eaten by a fish, then gives him a new one for resurrection.
Myth Written Late, Evolved Orally
- The Osiris myth is mainly recorded by later Greek historians, not early Egyptians.
- It likely evolved over centuries and was influenced by oral traditions and elite written texts.
Osiris and Isis as Divine Royals
- Osiris and Isis are brother and sister who also marry, part of an Egyptian divine royal family.
- Their conflict with Set involves themes of kingship, jealousy, and rightful rule.