Isis-Hathor

Isis-Hathor were originally two separate goddesses, but through time and confusion of their aspects, they were combined. Isis' cult grew in importance until she absorbed nearly all other goddesses, and now Nut, Hathor, and Isis are virtually interchangable as mother-goddess.

Hathor had many forms. She was the patron of foreigners and mother of the Egyptians. She was sometimes pictured as the winged cow of creation who gave birth to the universe. Because she was the mother, she owned the bodies of the dead, making her queen of the underworld. She was also patron of bodily pleasures - her festivals were carnivals of intoxication.

Isis was eventually identified as the primary - the mother-goddess. She was the mother of the divine child, Horus. She was the sister-wife of Osiris, and was instrumental in the civilizing of Egypt by teaching how to grind corn, spin flax, weave cloth, cure disease, and instituted marriage.

According to legend, after their brother Set killed Osiris, she went in search of his body. Set had cut Osiris' body into fourteen pieces and scattered them so he would be forever destroyed. She eventually recovered all but the phallus. Isis then performed the first rites of embalmment, which restored Osiris to eternal life. Her powers allowed her to reanimate Osiris in order to conceive Horus. Isis raised Horus in the marshes, hidden from Set, who was on the throne.

Isis' symbol is the throne - pharohs were often shown seated on her lap and protected by her wings.

Isis, in Osirian myth, represents the rich plains of Egypt, made fruitful by the annual inundation of the Nile (Osiris), separated from her by the arid desert (Set).

At right is Isis pictured nursing her son, Horus. She is often shown is this guise.
Hathor Old Kingdom	Isis Old Kingdom	Isis-Hathor New Kingdom
Some representations of these combined goddesses. Hathor - top left Isis with Horus - top right Isis - bottom left Nut - bottom right

Isis promised - "You shall live in blessing, you shall live glorious in my protection; and when you have fulfilled your allotted span of life and descend to the underworld, there too you shall see me, as you see me now, shining. And if you show yourself obidient to my divinity...you will know that I alone have permitted you to extend your life beyond the time allocated you by your destiny."

I will overcome Fate.