Ancient Egyptian mythology: Seth and his confrontation with the gods

The ancient Egyptian god Seth, also referred to in literature as Seth and Suteh, was one of the most important characters in the pantheon. He is associated with a large number of myths and legends, he was asked for mercy and feared.

Seth in Egyptian mythology

This god is considered the patron of chaos and disorder. He could send bad weather to the villages, storms. He was the creator of deserts. He was considered insidious and cruel.

Seth was born from the gods of Hebe and Nut. He had brother Osiris and sisters Isis and Nephthys. The latter also became his wife.

This character of ancient Egyptian mythology had many sacred animals. But the main among them was a donkey. That's why Seth himself was portrayed as a tall, slender man with an ass's head. He had red hair and eyes, which was considered the color of a dead land - deserts. In the hands of God, a spear was depicted.

It was believed that Seth originally had good qualities and was not a patron of evil. But the envy of his elder brother all the more sharpened the heart of God, wiping out all the good from him. Mythology tells about brothers' opposition. Seth tried to get rid of Osiris. And one day he had the most insidious of all zadumok.

Betrayal of Set

At a time when they believed in the gods of Osiris and Seth, it was decided to start taking care of their afterlife in advance. Even in their youth they ordered sarcophagi and built tombs. When the construction was completed, it was possible to celebrate. So Seth ordered a sarcophagus for himself. But only he turned out to be a god not in size.

As mythology tells, Seth invited visitors to his house and said that he would give a beautiful sarcophagus to someone he would need at the time. Then all the guests of the insidious god took turns in trying on a gift. But only he approached Osiris only. He had to lie down in the sarcophagus, as the lid closed. Seth doused the sarcophagus with lead and threw the brother's body into the waters of the Nile.

Osiris Isis's wife put on mourning. She searched for her husband for a long time and wandered about in different lands. Finally, she learned that the coffin of her husband had become a column in one of the palaces. Isis concealed her divine origin and became a nanny, just to be near the body of her husband. But her deception soon opened. And then Isis asked to give her the coffin.

His goddess was able to hide her wandering and his exodus from a cruel brother. She also did not tell Seth about her pregnancy, and then about the birth of her son Gore.

Seth vs. Horus

As mythology tells, Gor grew up as a strong youth, a mighty warrior. And he did not want anything more than to avenge his father.

The battle between the two gods is reflected in myths. Initially, the son of Osiris was defeated. Seth snatched his eyes from his nephew. The same in turn castrated his uncle. The gods were worried about this bloody battle. And then they decided to arrange a court to decide who is right - the son of Osiris or Seth. Mythology tells us that the victory was given to Gora. He was returned an eye, which helped to revive Osiris. Seth was punished for his treachery.

The revived Osiris could once again become ruler. But he did not want to remain among the gods after the experience. Then he became the ruler of the afterlife, and transferred his former authority to his son Gora.

Seth - warrior and defender

Not only the patron of evil was Seth. Mythology rarely includes heroes, in which only negative qualities. So in God with the donkey's head there were traits that made him attractive to the ancient Egyptians.

Seth was the patron of metals, and in honor of him was called iron. And since this god was also strong, his warlord was chosen by his warriors. He knew how to fight with a spear and often overcame his rivals. His power attracted the attention of the pharaohs. Because Seth had communion and power. He was portrayed next to the pharaohs.

As mythology tells us, Seth played an important role in the change of day and night. With his spear he killed a snake, who wanted to attack the chariot of the god Ra. Despite his character, Seth returned the sunlight to the people.

The stories of the gods include the eternal opposition of good and evil, like any other mythology. Seth appears in her as the personification of the evil, but he was not forgotten and worshiped him. It was believed that he was capable of any insidiousness. But he could also protect from evil. He was considered the patron of warriors, but also associated with mysterious lands beyond the borders of Egypt.

There are many myths about Seth. And not in all he appears a villain. One of the most important gods is Seth. The mythology of Egypt tells the story of its rise and fall.