Significance of God of the dead

The "god of the dead" in Egyptian mythology primarily refers to Osiris, who evolved from a sun-god to a symbol of eternal existence and resurrection. Anubis also serves as a god of the dead, notably weighing hearts to determine passage to the afterlife and protecting the deceased. Osiris, originally part of the Heliopolitan company of gods, eventually usurped the title from Ȧn-her, solidifying his role as the preeminent god of the dead and judge of the deceased. His association is with the afterlife, contrasting with Re, who is associated with the living.

Synonyms: Pluto, Lord of the underworld, King of the dead, Osiris, Anubis, Yama

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

Classical concept of 'God of the dead'

Various literature Books

Meaning of God of the dead in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Osiris, who is the god of the dead, was part of the Heliopolitan company of the gods, which helped in their company becoming so popular.[1] (2) Osiris usurped Ȧn-her’s title as god of the dead, a transition that occurred in early times, leading to Ȧmentet becoming a common name for the underworld.[2] (3) The text mentions that Osiris was regarded as the judge of the dead and was also the god of the dead par excellence.[3] (4) Anubis, the god of the dead, had the duty to cast to the Eater of the Dead the hearts which failed to balance the feather exactly, during the weighing of the heart of the deceased in the Great Balance.[4]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) God of the dead is related to Osiris, originally a form of the sun-god representing the sun after it had set, and later identified with the moon, becoming the type of eternal existence.[5] (2) Osiris is addressed as the god of the dead and the type of the resurrection, rather than as the successor of the great cosmic god Tmu-Ra, highlighting his funerary significance.[6]

From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt

(1) In view of the fact that Anubis is a god of the dead, the peasant doubtless means that he goes to take his own life, indicating the extreme despair to which he has been driven by the injustice he has suffered.[7] (2) A god of the dead refers to Osiris, whose role is associated with the afterlife, while Re is associated with the living.[8]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) The god of the dead is Anubis, embraces the mummy, thus indicating his readiness to take the deceased under his protection.[9]

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.

Meaning of God of the dead in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) Osiris was recognized as the god of the dead, as shown by the passage, suggesting that Osiris played a significant role in the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.[10]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.