Significance of Enemies of Osiris

Enemies of Osiris are depicted as defeated figures, often headless, bound, and facing punishment in the afterlife. These enemies are subject to slaughter and destruction, with their bodies mutilated. Thoth is invoked to ensure Osiris's victory over them, emphasizing a continuous battle. Horus orders calamities upon them, and some are burnt in fire, represented by bound figures. Sekhet, embodying the sun's heat, also destroys Osiris's enemies, highlighting their ultimate defeat.

Synonyms: Adversaries, Foes, Rivals, Opponents, Set, Apophis, Typhon

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Enemies of Osiris'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Enemies of Osiris in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) The enemies of Osiris stand with their arms tied together behind their backs in painful attitudes, facing a huge serpent called KHETI, who belches fire into their faces.[1] (2) The enemies of Osiris are tied to the standards of SEB according to the god’s decree, and preparatory to slaughter in the Hall of Ra.[2] (3) The TCHATCHA, or Great Chiefs of Osiris, avenge Osiris each day and overthrow the **enemies of Osiris**, while the goddesses spring into existence when they hear the god’s voice, and sing praises to Osiris each day.[3] (4) These are some decapitated by the LYNX-GODDESS, and some in fetters which are held in the hands of the god ANKU. They are located on the left of AFU-RA in the Seventh Division.[4]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) The Enemies of Osiris are depicted in the Tuat and are subject to slaughter, with their bodies hacked in pieces and spirits scattered.[5] (2) The enemies of Osiris are represented by headless figures, kneeling with their arms tied behind their backs, facing punishment.[6]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The enemies of Osiris are frequently mentioned, with Thoth being invoked to make Osiris victorious over them, highlighting the ongoing struggle between Osiris and opposing forces.[7] (2) Sekhet personifies the burning heat of the sun and as such was the destroyer of the enemies of Osiris when Ra determined to punish mankind with death.[8]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The enemies of Osiris are burnt in the fire and twelve men represent the enemies of Osiris that have been burnt in the fire, with their arms tied together behind their backs.[9]

From: The Book of Gates

(1) They have their calamities ordered for them by Horus, with fetters on their arms.[10]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.