Egyptians told many stories about their gods. The most important was the story of Osiris and Isis. Different writers told it in different ways; here is its outline.
Key idea
In the story, Osiris was a good king. His jealous brother Seth killed him. His wife Isis searched for him and, with her magic, brought him back. Osiris became ruler of the land of the dead, and their son Horus grew up to win back the throne.
Why it works
The story explained things that mattered to every Egyptian. It said that death is not the end: Osiris lived again, so others hoped to as well. It said that a son should care for his father, as Horus did. And it explained the king: each living king was linked with Horus, and each king who died was linked with Osiris.
Worked example: Who's who?
Which god in the story is the evil brother, and which is the son who wins the throne?
- Seth killed his brother Osiris.
- Horus, son of Osiris and Isis, became king.
Answer: Seth is the brother; Horus is the son.
Common mistake
Thinking Osiris was the god of evil because he rules the dead. To Egyptians he was a kind king who gave new life. Paintings show him with green skin, the color of growing plants.
The oldest pieces of this story are in Egyptian tomb writings. A Greek writer, Plutarch, later told a long version with extra parts.