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Osiris: the god of the dead and the judgment of the soul

Osiris is one of the most famous gods of Egyptian mythology. He is known as the god of the dead and played a crucial role in the ancient Egyptians' belief in life after death. In this article, we'll explore Osiris' role in the judgment of the soul and the significance of this process in Egyptian mythology.

Introduction

The myth of Osiris

The myth of Osiris dates back to the time of the Pharaonic dynasties and tells the story of a king imprisoned and murdered by his jealous brother. His sister Isis, aided by the god Thoth, succeeds in resurrecting Osiris, who then becomes the symbol of rebirth and hope after death. The mythology of Osiris is a complex story involving elements of life, death and rebirth. The myth of Osiris has had a considerable influence on the belief in life after death and final judgment in Egyptian mythology.

The weight of the heart

Judgment of the soul is a fundamental belief in Egyptian mythology. According to this belief, when an individual dies, their soul is judged to determine whether it deserves to enter the afterlife. In this article, we will focus on the weighing of the heart. This practice involves placing the heart of the dead individual on a scale and weighing it against a feather, which symbolizes truth and justice.

If the heart is heavier than the feather, it means that the individual has committed impure acts and should be punished. If the heart is lighter than the feather, it means that the individual has lived a just and equitable life and will be able to enter the afterlife.

The process of judging souls was led by Osiris, which underlines the importance of his role in Egyptian mythology. Witness the importance of funeral rituals and pyramid texts, which were intended to protect the soul of the deceased during the journey to the afterlife.

Life after death

In Egyptian mythology, life after death was seen as a continuation of earthly life. The Egyptians believed that the soul needed a physical body to survive in the afterlife. They therefore developed sophisticated funerary rituals to mummify and preserve the bodies of the deceased. The Egyptians also believed that the soul of the deceased needed a safe place to rest and feed. This is why the Egyptians built pyramids and tombs to serve as homes for the soul of the deceased.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of Osiris in Egyptian mythology is crucial to understanding the belief in life after death and the judgment of the soul. The religious funerary practices and pyramid texts bear witness to the importance of these beliefs for the ancient Egyptians. Today, the mythology of Osiris is considered one of the most fascinating myths in human history and remains a source of inspiration for many writers and artists.