Osiris (Egyptian God) Osiris Is Term Paper

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'Osiris gardens' - wood-framed barley seedbeds in the shape of the god, were sometimes placed in tombs - and the plants which sprouted from these beds symbolized the resurrection of life after death. (Osiris: Usire)

There is also an interesting parallel between Osiris, as fertility and agriculture god, and the Greek Persephone, an agriculture goddess. (Osiris) This refers to the fact that Both Osiris and Persephone end up in the underworld through treachery and both are kept there by "legal loopholes" in the laws of the gods. Persephone remains in the underworld for half a year because she tasted the food of the dead. Osiris remains in the underworld because Ma'at dictates that the dead, even dead gods may not return to the land of the living. (Osiris)

This could mean that the essential significance of Osiris as a fertility god was carried on in various other cultures and times. Another aspect that is also an important part of the interpretation of Osiris is that he was considered to represent a dark side of existence. "Although he was regarded as a guarantor of continued existence in the afterlife, Osiris also had a darker, demonic aspect associated with the physiological processes of death and decay, and reflecting the fear Egyptians had of death in spite of their belief in an afterlife.

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" (THE MYSTERY OF OSIRIS)

3. Conclusion

While the myth of Osiris is essentially an ancient Egyptian belief, yet it has significance and importance for the modern world. As has been mentioned, the myth of Osiris had an impact on many ancient cultures.

However, in modern times there has been as great interest in the symbolical significance of Osiris in many so-called 'new age' and esoteric movements that use the myth of Osiris as a foundation for modern belief structures. Studies also state that, "The Egyptian mysteries of Isis and Osiris exerted considerable influence upon early Christianity." ("The Influence of the Mystery Religions on Christianity") This refers more specifically to the festival held each year in Egypt celebrating the resurrection of Osiris." In this regard it is interesting to note that "...the Christian feast of all Souls, in honor of the dead, likewise falls at the beginning of November; and in many countries lamps and candles are burned all night on that occasion. There seems little doubt that this custom was identical with the Egyptian festival." ("The Influence of the Mystery Religions on Christianity") Many modern thinkers such as Carl Jung have included the myth of Osiris as an underlying belief structure that is seen as an integral part of the human psyche.

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