Reading Notes: Ancient Egyptian Myths and Stories Part A

In the beginning Nu who was the god in the ocean gave birth to Ra, the sun god. Then Shu, the wind, and his twin, the lioness Tetnut were created.

Ra had one name given to him by Nu that gave him divine power. Isis, his child and enchantress, wanted power that was equal to Ra. One day she follows Ra and turns some of his saliva into a serpent that no one could see. The serpent bites Ra, and all of his children come to him. Isis convinces him to give her his secret name so she can heal his wound. Ra obliges. With the power of his secret name Isis removes the venom from Ra's body.

Ra learns that people on Earth are talking bad about him so he assembles the gods. It is decided that the rebels will be destroyed. After their destruction Ra begins to feel guilt so he repents for what he has done. Thousands of jars are filled with plants of virtue. They were given as offerings to the god Hathor. From then on out, anytime the Nile rose in a red flood offerings were given to Hathor. Ra wanted help so Nu made Shu and Nut.

After Ra ascended to the Heavens, Osiris ruled over Egypt. He ushered in an era of peace; he taught men to farm and harvest. Osiris traveled the world to spread wisdom. While he was away, Isis sat on the throne.

Set had his eyes on the throne so he devised a scheme to get rid of Osiris. He had a chest with the measurements of the king built. He said whoever could fit in the chest could have it. Eventually it was Osiris's turn and he fit perfectly. Set's followers shut the lid and sealed him in. Then the threw the chest into the Nile. Isis searched up and down for Osiris. Set ascended to the throne and began his rule. Ra feels pity for Isis and sends Anubis, the opener of ways, to help Isis.

Isis gave birth to Horus, and set trapped them in their home. Set has his followers kill Horus, and Thoth brought him back to life. Osiris's coffin is found in Syria and they put it in a tree trunk. Set hears about the coffin being found, so he has his followers cut the body into 14 pieces and throw it into the Nile.

Osiris comes to Horus in a dream and tells him now is the time to overthrow Set. Horus loses an eye. Horus and Set appear before the throne of the gods, and the gods say that Horus is the true king. Ra sends Anubis, Horus and Thoth to unite the body of Osiris. Osiris becomes the judge and the king of the dead.