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ISIS

(Egyp. ÷st; Gk. Isis)

One of the most popular divinities in the Greco-Roman world. She originally came from Egypt, where she was the sister and wife of the slain god-king Osiris. Possessed with great powers, Isis wandered in search of the dead Osiris, and eventually found and embalmed him, thus enabling his eventual resurrection. The son of Isis and Osiris, Horus, succeeded his father as king. In Egypt there were mysteries of Isis and Osiris, which mythologically enacted the death of one pharaoh and the succession of another.

When the worship of Isis and Osiris was imported to Greece and Rome, it took on many Hellenistic characteristics. Although the Egyptian legend remained the same, Isis in particular took on the features of other goddesses. She embodied the ideal of femininity, and was a model sister and wife and a great mother. It is not surprising that when Christianity became popular, shrines to Mary often emerged at ancient Isis worship sites.

Isis mystery cults also flourished among the Greeks and Romans. The 11th book of Apuleius’ Metamorphoses reveals much about the initiation rites in this cult.

When Christianity triumphed, the worship of Isis, like that of many other “pagan” deities, disappeared. With the current interest in goddess worship, however, Isis enjoys some renewed popularity.

Alicia Batten

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ISIS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)