Osiris was also identified with Soker, an ancient Memphite god of the dead. Greco-Roman authors connected Osiris with the god Dionysus. Later, the sprouting grain symbolized the vital strength of Osiris.Īt Memphis the holy bull, Apis, was linked with Osiris, becoming Osiris-Apis, which eventually became the name of the Hellenistic god Serapis. The mold was moistened with the water of the Nile and sown with grain. A central feature of the festivals during the late period was the construction of the “Osiris garden,” a mold in the shape of Osiris, filled with soil. Osiris festivals symbolically reenacting the god’s fate were celebrated annually in various towns throughout Egypt. Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz See all videos for this article

Learn about the Osiris Shaft, a symbolic tomb of the god Osiris that is near the pyramid of Khafre, near Giza, Egypt.

Because the festivals took place in the open, public participation was permitted, and by the early 2nd millennium bce it had become fashionable to be buried along the processional road at Abydos or to erect a cenotaph there as a representative of the dead. This name, meaning “Foremost of the Westerners,” was adopted by Osiris as an epithet. 1630 bce) the god’s festivals consisted of processions and nocturnal rites and were celebrated at the temple of Abydos, where Osiris had assimilated the very ancient god of the dead, Khenty-Imentiu. The idea that rebirth in the next life could be gained by following Osiris was maintained through certain cult forms. In this universalized form Osiris’s cult spread throughout Egypt, often joining with the cults of local fertility and underworld deities. Instead, it signified the renewal of life both in the next world and through one’s descendants on Earth. This identification with Osiris, however, did not imply resurrection, for even Osiris did not rise from the dead. From about 2000 bce onward it was believed that every man, not just the deceased kings, became associated with Osiris at death. 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. Britannica Explains In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.Īccording to American folklore, who dug out the Grand Canyon? From Egyptian gods to Norse heroes, dig out the facts in this quiz of mythology, legend, and folklore.This Time in History In these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history.#WTFact Videos In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find.Demystified Videos In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions.Britannica Classics Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives.

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