Osiris

Introduction

Osiris was one of the most important gods of the Egyptian pantheon and was believed to be originally a pharaoh from Syria. The myth of Osiris and the gods associated with it became part of the core belief system of Egypt. Osiris became so popular he absorbed the function of earlier gods such as Andjeti and Khentiamenti, two gods of fertility and agriculture worshipped at Abydos.

He is associated with the djed symbol and is often depicted with black or green skin symbolizing the fertile mud of the Nile and regeneration. He is also frequently shown as a mummy or in partially mummified form in his role as Judge of the Dead.

Physical Traits

He is depicted in his most developed form as a handsome god with the Atef crown, which consists of two curling ostrich feathers at the top. He also carries a crook and a flail. The symbolism of the crook is uncertain, though it is believed to represent a shepherd god. He was often depicted as a pharaoh with a green or black complexion. He was worn as a symbol of fertility in mummiform.

Family

He was the first-born of the god Geb and the Nut the sky god, who was murdered by his brother Seth. He was then brought back to life by his wife, Isis. Seth killed and cut his body into pieces and distributed it around Egypt. After murdering Osiris, Seth became king of Egypt, with his sister Nepthys as his wife. Along with Nepthys, Isis put together the pieces of Osiris with the help of linen wrappings. This is believed to have inspired the use of linen for mummification. After reviving Osiris, Isis gave birth to their son, Horus.

Other Names

Osiris or Usir was often referred to as Wennefer or The Beautiful One. He was also known as Khentiamenti, the Foremost of the Westerners.

Powers and Abilities

Osiris is connected to the rule of maat, the righteous kingship, and life-giving power. Osiris was not only ruler of the dead but also the power that granted all life from the underworld, from sprouting vegetation to the annual flood of the Nile River.

Worship & Modern Influence

Thousands of years before the Early Dynastic Period and the Ptolemaic Dynasty, he was worshipped. It is also possible that he was worshipped in the Predynastic Period of Egypt.

The festivals of Osiris were held in various regions throughout Egypt with the construction of the Osiris Garden. The garden was constructed with soil and seeds, and the water from the Nile and grain were used to nourish it.

Osiris is one of the common gods who is shown in modern films, video games and comics.