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Book of the Dead / 37
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Book of the Dead / 37
God of the underworld, and of vegetation : associated with the mortuary goddess Serket in this painting showing him in a shrine to Hathor as hippopotamus
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Media ID 595627
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10049720
Goddess Hathor Hippopotamus Mortuary Osiris Shrine Underworld Vegetation
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image from the annals of Egyptian history depicts Osiris, the enigmatic deity of the underworld and vegetation, in a unique and intriguing setting. Osiris is shown in a shrine dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, music, and fertility. However, in this painting, Osiris is represented as a hippopotamus, an animal closely associated with the Nile River and the fertile lands of Egypt. Osiris' association with the underworld is rooted in ancient Egyptian mythology, where he is believed to have been murdered and dismembered by his brother Set. His wife, Isis, managed to collect and reassemble his body, except for his phallus, which was thrown into the Nile and swallowed by a fish. Osiris' resurrection and ascension to the afterlife marked the beginning of the annual inundation of the Nile, ensuring the fertility of the land. The hippopotamus, a powerful and aggressive animal, was also believed to have a protective role in the afterlife. In this painting, Osiris' transformation into a hippopotamus highlights his dual role as a god of the underworld and a protector of the land. Accompanying Osiris in this scene is Serket, the goddess of the mortuary and protector of women in childbirth. She is shown in her iconic form, wearing a crown adorned with the head of a cobra. The presence of Serket underscores the connection between death, rebirth, and fertility in ancient Egyptian religion. This stunning painting, which originated from Egypt, offers a glimpse into the rich and complex mythology of the ancient civilization. The intricate details and symbolism in the image provide valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the people who lived thousands of years ago.
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