In Egyptian mythology, Osiris is the god of life, death, the flooding of the Nile, and the afterlife. He was the brother and husband of Isis with whom they had a son, Horus. Osiris was murdered by his brother Set because Osiris was the pharaoh (an Egyptian king), which Set wanted to be. Osiris was killed when Set tricked him into getting into a box, then poured lead onto the box to close it, trapping Osiris inside. However, Isis brought Osiris back to life for one night. After Horus was old enough, he defeated Set and became the pharaoh.

Egyptian civilization loved Osiris because he was a wise and gentle king. He taught them law and order and led them away from savage practices like cannibalism and human sacrifice. Osiris also taught them the art of agriculture and the appropriate rites for worshipping the gods. When he was done civilizing the people in Egypt, he left the country to his wife Isis to make peace in many other places. Only after finishing his task did he return to Egypt.

Osiris was the god of the Underworld. He was also one of the Nine Gods. One of his duties as Lord of the Dead was to conduct the Dead’s final judgment, and after that to protect people from the dangers of the Underworld. The transition between life and death was a great experience to the Egyptians, but it was not without its perils.

Osiris was shown in the form of a mummified pharaoh. He wore a white crown with feathers on the side – known as an atef, and held a crook and flail; tools of a pharaoh. Osiris had green skin, symbolizing rebirth to the Egyptians.