Isis is an important Egyptian deity, perhaps most famous for restoring life to her brother-husband, Osiris, after he was killed by his rival Set. Isis was known as the Goddess Of Magic but she is often worshiped as an ideal mother.
Origin
According to Egyptian mythology, Isis was the firstborn daughter of Geb, the Earth god, and Nut, goddess of the Sky. It is said that she possessed great magical gifts and powerful knowledge. Isis was married to her brother, Osiris. Isis's brother Set murdered Osiris and scattered parts of his body along the banks of the Nile river. She collected Osiris's remains and then used her incredible powers of healing to restored him to life and eventually granted him immortality. Isis is also mother to Horus, the Falcon-headed Egyptian god of war and protection. It is because of this that Isis is seen as the archetypal mother. The name Isis literally means "She of the Throne", a reference to her powerful position as the source of a Pharaoh's power.
Symbols
In early Egyptian imagery, Isis is seen depicted wearing a long sheath dress and crowned with a throne. However, in later times, Isis is usually shown with the headdress of the goddess Hathor, which can be described as a solar disk flanked by the horns of a cow. As Isis's popularity grew, many other goddesses were assimilated into her. Sometimes, she is depicted suckling the infant Horus. In many pictures, Isis can be seen with large wings symbolizing immortality.
No comments:
Post a Comment