Nephthys

The Egyptians

Nephthys was the daughter of Geb (the god of the Earth) and Nut (the goddess of the Sky). Her association with the night contrasts with her sister Isis, who is linked to the day. Nephthys was often seen as representing the invisible, mysterious forces of life, such as death and darkness, while Isis embodied light and life. This duality of the sisters is symbolic of the balance between life and death in Egyptian mythology. Nephthys, therefore, embodies the space between the world of the living and the dead, helping to bridge these two realms.

Nephthys and Set

She is married to Set, the god of chaos, the desert, and storms, although their relationship is not depicted as a harmonious one in mythology. Unlike Isis and Osiris, whose marriage is seen as one of unity and partnership, the union of Set and Nephthys is much more fraught and complicated. Despite her marriage to Set, Nephthys is not usually associated with his destructive and chaotic aspects. Set was often linked to disorder and violence, while Nephthys was seen as a stabilizing force, associated with healing, protection, and care for the dead. Her name, meaning “Lady of the Mansion” or “Mistress of the House,” reflects her role as a protector and guardian, particularly in matters related to death and the afterlife. Nephthys is often overshadowed by her more prominent sister, Isis, but she is a vital part of the mythological structure, representing aspects of mourning, protection, and divine assistance.

Nephthys and Isis

Nephthys’s most prominent role in Egyptian mythology is as one of the chief mourners of Osiris, following his murder by Set. She and her sister Isis grieved for Osiris and worked together to find his body and restore him to life. In this role, Nephthys is associated with mourning, death rites, and protection in the afterlife. Her presence in funerary rituals was significant, as she and Isis were believed to protect the deceased in the afterlife and help guide their souls.

While Isis is often seen as the primary heroine in the Osiris myth, Nephthys was her indispensable companion and counterpart. The two goddesses work together to gather the pieces of Osiris’s body after Set dismembers him, and together they use their magic to bring Osiris back to life. Nephthys, though sometimes depicted as more passive than her sister, was critical in the success of the ritual that restored Osiris and in the care of Horus, Isis’s son.

Nephthys’s role in the story of Osiris highlights her compassion and loyalty, even though she was married to Set, the murderer of Osiris. Despite this, Nephthys did not support her husband’s actions and instead aligned herself with Isis in an effort to undo Set’s destruction.

Nephthys and Anubis

Nephthys is the mother of Anubis, though the story of his conception varies. One account suggests that Nephthys seduced Osiris by disguising herself as Isis, leading to the birth of Anubis. This myth places Nephthys in a somewhat shadowy, trickster-like role, though it is not emphasized as a negative action. Another version suggests that Nephthys, unable to conceive with Set, sought out Osiris to bear a child. In both cases, after Anubis’s birth, Nephthys gave him to Isis to raise, which could be seen as a gesture of love and respect toward her sister.

Rebirths

1st Age – Sterling Mishina (Lucy Durante)