This material was prepared by Professor Thomas J. Sienkewicz for his Classical Mythology class at Monmouth
College. If you have any questions, you may contact him at toms@monm.edu.
Study Questions for the Myth of Isis, Osiris, and Horus
What hero journeys take place in this myth?
Which gods fit the hero pattern of Lord Raglan? How?
In what ways does this myth deal with the ways of nature?
What aetiologies are in this myth?
How is this a charter myth?
How is this myth political?
How do the Egyptian gods display anthropomorphic characteristics?
What theriomorphic characteristics do the Egyptian gods display?
How can this myth be interpreted from a psychological point of view?
What binary oppositions can be found in this myth?
Some Binary Oppositions in the Myth of Isis, Osiris, and Horus
OSIRIS VS. SET
NILE VS. DESERT
WET VS. DRY
LIFE VS. DEATH
TRUTH VS. LIES
GOOD VS. EVIL
How are these contradictions mediated in the myth?