200
“Horus was the son of Osiris, a god of nature whose power was manifest [clear] in the
ebb [movement of water out to sea] and flood of the Nile. Osiris himself had once
ruled Egypt, aided by his wife and sister, Isis, before he was brought down by his
murderously jealous brother Seth, who dismembered [cut apart] Osiris and scattered
his parts over the land. The faithful Isis went about collecting the pieces and patched
them back together, thus resurrecting [bringing back to life] Osiris, who retired from
his earthly responsibilities to become lord of the afterworld. Horus was left to
contend [deal with] with his uncle, Seth, for dominion [rule] over Egypt. . . . [T]he
earth god, Geb, declared Horus the victor and pronounced [declared] him King
of Egypt.”
—The Age of God Kings, 3000–1500 b.c.
According to the passage, what role did Osiris take after his resurrection, or
return to life?
What is lord of the afterworld?