Isis And Osiris Research Paper

Within every culture there is a creation myth. These myths tell a story of how each culture was born, and what they had to achieve in order to get there. Moreover, these myths portray each culture’s beliefs and values usually in a battle between good and evil. And that seem to also be the case when it comes to the Egyptian myth “The Story of Isis and Osiris.”
In the Egyptian myth “The Story of Isis and Osiris,” there is a power struggle between the forces of good and evil. This battle of good vs. evil is fought by Horus and Seth. This battle ends with Horus killing Seth, which avenges his father’s death and restores order to all of Egypt. According to John Gwyn Griffiths, a former Egyptologist and professor at Swansea University, this myth presents a “strong

sense of family loyalty and devotion,” based on the relationships of Isis, Osiris, and Horus (344). We see this unshakeable bond when Isis persistently searches for husband’s dead body just to put his dismembered parts together again. Another example of the bond that they share lies in Horus’ dedication in avenging his father. With that being said, we see the support for vengeance in the Egyptian culture portrayed through Horus’ dedication for his father’s cause. Another example of this support for vengeance comes when Osiris is pleased to hear his son say that the noblest thing a man can do is to right the wrongs done to his mother and father.
Many believe that there are lessons to be learn from this battle of good vs.

evil. One in particular seems to be that although the forces of evil will win a few battles against the forces of good, they will never win the war. We see this when Seth deceives and kills Osiris but is repaid the dishonor by being killed by Osiris’ son Horus. Another lesson that is portrayed about the Egyptian culture in this battle is their desire for power. According to Dr. Herman te Velde, a former professor and chairman of Egyptology at the University of Groningen, we see this in Seth’s slaying of Osiris, which seems to represent the power struggle between good and evil (82). Another example of the desire for power in this story comes Seth turns himself into a black pig to distract Re from seeing the outcome of the war through Horus’ eyes. Taking into account Seth’s actions in this myth, we learn that the Egyptian culture desires power and will do anything to get it. For example, consider the actions of the gods, who willing killed each other just to cement their place in history. Horus on the other hand had a justified reason for murder, which points to the possibility that some of Egypt favored honor more than

vengeance.
Beyond the topic of good and evil in this myth are the matters of death and afterlife. From this myth we learn that the Egyptians believed in the afterlife, which meant that you never really died after you died on Earth. We see this when Seth kills Osiris, but Osiris is still able to return to Earth in the spiritual form to train Horus for battle. Another example of this afterlife comes when Osiris is handed the underworld to oversee after his death on Earth. Based on Egyptian views of life, we can infer that their geographical location may have had some influence on their beliefs. For instance, throughout the existence of the Egyptians, they had fertile land to grow crops so they believed in a good afterlife.
In conclusion, the Egyptian myth “The Story of Isis and Osiris,” many ideas are portrayed that seem to reflect the beliefs and views of the Egyptian culture. From this myth we learn that the Egyptians were a proud people, and they believed in following your dreams no matter the obstacles that stood in your way. In addition, we learn that the Egyptians believe in vengeance. And lastly, from this myth we learn that they believed in a life after death on Earth.