Myth, Culture and Civilization

• What is a myth?

• Why do societies have them?

• What myths do you already know?

Review (Group)

• What is a myth?

– A story

• Provides an Explanation or Justification

• Teaches social or religious values/behavior

• Explains natural phenomenon

Mythology and Society

• Why do societies have them?

– All societies have them

• Human need to understand

• Need for a collective “story” or identity

• Need for guidance of belief or behavior

Mythology and Society

The Myth of Isis and Osiris

Family of Gods(Two of the Many)

The Story

• Story of a good ruler loved by his people ---Osiris

• Tricked into getting into a coffin at a great feast by his jealous brother--- Set

• Set then sealed Osiris in the coffin and threw it into the Nile

The Story

• Isis loved Osiris enough to search all over the world for him.

• Set, so envied this devotion that he cut Osiris into pieces out of spite.

• Isis then reassembled Osiris and wrapped him in bandages. (Q)

The Story• Through Magic she

then breathes life into him and conceives his son- Horus

• Horus then battled with Set to avenge his father

• Neither god was able to secure an overall victory

Osiris and Isis

Osiris (Father)

Represents-MasculineGrowingCivilization

Isis (Mother)

Represents- FeminineNurtureMagic

Osiris and IsisSet/Seth

Represents-Chaos/StormsDesertDarkness

HorusRepresents-

Man/PharaohWar/ResistanceSun and Moon

Review (Group)Name some themes from this story?

What do you think is the message of this story?

So why do we care?

Why are we interested in ancient myths?