The life, death, and life of Osiris, King of the Underworld.
Osiris was the good guy. He was the kindly god given providence over Egypt, before being tricked, drowned and dismembered by his evil brother, Seth. Osiris' cruel murder saw him becoming the very first mummy when his sister, Isis, retrieved his body and bound it together with cloth.
Osiris' magical resurrection gave the Egyptians the promise of eternal life and they had themselves mummified as Osiristo share in his life beyond the grave.
The current issue of Nile Magazine features Charlotte Booth's article on the life, death and life of Osiris, God of the Underworld. It is on sale at WHSmith stores across the U.K. Click here to find the WHSmith nearest you: www.nilemagazine.com.au/whsmith-nile.
Pictured is Osiris from the tomb of Irynefer (TT 290) at Deir el-Medina, the royal tomb-builders' village near the Valley of the Kings at Luxor. Irynefer lived during the early part of the reign of Ramesses II. He had a lot of talented friends and his tomb is one of the most colourful there. Part of the decoration features Irynefer being led by Anubis into the presence of Osiris (above) to receive the god's blessing. Osiris' green face refers to his role as god of rebirth and new life. Photo: Jaap Jan Hemmes.