The Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt and Africa

The Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt and Africa — page 3
Death and Rebirth The god of death and resurrection Osiris was one of the most important deities the Egyptians associated with the Nile Because they believed he was killed and brought back to life they saw a connection between him and vegetation They knew that plants died or were cut at harvest time and then returned again a few months later springing out of the soil The Egyptians also connected Osiris with the power of the Nile as the source of plant growth Just as vegetation died and was reborn so did the Nile seem to die every year and then return again with the annual flooding and receding of the waters Thus it was only fitting that the Egyptians celebrated festivals highlighting the importance of Osiris and the Nile They also told many tales of the Nile Plutarch in his writings recorded the version of the myth that follows Geb the god of the earth married Nut the goddess of the sky and according to the ancient Egyptians had four children Osiris the god of death and resurrection Isis the goddess of motherhood magic and fertility Seth the god of storms darkness and chaos Nephthys the goddess of the air sky and mourning 6 The Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt and Africa