Nephthys, a prominent deity of ancient Egypt, emerged from the divine lineage of Geb (the earth) and Nut (the sky). As the fourth sibling among the celestial deities—preceded by Osiris, Isis, and Set—Nephthys is also recognized as Horus’s older sister (commonly known as Horus the Elder).
As one of the earliest goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon, Nephthys held a significant role within the Ennead, a collective of nine powerful gods venerated in Heliopolis. Her worship could be found in various major cult centers including Heliopolis, Senu, Hebet, Per-met, Re-nefert, and Het-sekem. Contrary to some historical interpretations that downplay her prominence, archaeological evidence demonstrates that Nephthys was widely honored throughout history, from the Predynastic Period (circa 6000 – circa 3150 BCE) all the way through the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323 – 30 BCE).
Name and Iconography
The name ‘Nephthys’ originates from the Latin adaptation of her Egyptian name, Nebthwt, alternatively spelled as Nebet-het and Nebt-het. This name translates to “Lady of the Temple Enclosure” or “Mistress of the House,” and visual representations often depict her adorned with a heiroglyph signifying ‘house’ atop her crown. This ‘house’ is believed to symbolize a celestial space rather than a literal home, reflecting her connections with air and the ether. Additionally, the term ‘enclosure’ relates to temple courtyards, where Nephthys served as a guardian deity, shielding both the temple and its inhabitants’ souls.
From her inception, Nephthys was linked with themes of death and decay, frequently called upon during funeral rites. The professionals tasked with mourning at funerals were designated as the “Hawks of Nephthys,” and she is one of the four goddesses—alongside Isis, Selket, and Neith—whose images graced the tomb of Tutankhamun, signifying their role as protectors of his canopic vessels. As noted by historian Margaret Bunson:
“Nephthys was connected to the mortuary cult in every era and was integral to the ancient worship of Min, a fertility and reproduction deity. Desert landscapes were dedicated to her, emphasizing her skills in magical practices.”
Nephthys’s magical prowess often drew parallels to that of Isis, leading some scholars to view her as a counterpart to her more famous sister—a duality where Nephthys represents darkness to Isis’s light. The two goddesses were often symbolically represented as twin sisters. In Heliopolis, during festivals, Nephthys and Isis were personified by virgin priestesses who performed the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys during Osiris’ festival. This Lamentation serves as a poetic recounting of the moment Isis and Nephthys united their efforts to resurrect Osiris. Originally intended for worship, this narrative later found its way into the Egyptian Book of the Dead and became integral to funerary practices.
The Role in the Osiris Myth
Nephthys’s notable narrative unfolds within the Osiris myth, as she becomes the wife of Set. Initially, she disguised herself as Isis to lure Osiris, which provided Set with the pretext for murdering his brother. As the tale progresses, she oscillates between betrayal and assistance, aiding Isis in her quest to restore Osiris to life.
As a guardian of the dead, Nephthys plays a pivotal role akin to her granddaughter, Qebhet, assisting the souls of the departed. Her significant titles, including “Friend of the Dead,” reflect her role in the afterlife, providing comfort and news of the deceased to their loved ones on Earth. Symbolically, she is linked with the hawk, the temple, and the sycamore tree, prominently featured in inscriptions across the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Known for her association with twilight and darkness, twilight prayers were offered to Nephthys, seeking her protection and assistance as she battled her husband Set to defend Ra’s solar vessel from the serpent Apophis during its nocturnal journey.
Mythological Foundations
The Egyptian creation myth relates that initially, the universe comprised only chaotic waters and blackness until a mound (the ben-ben) emerged from these depths, supporting Atum (or Ra). In solitude, Atum longed for companionship, leading him to mate with his own shadow, thereby birthing Shu (god of air) and Tefnut (goddess of moisture). The two departed, leaving Atum to reflect on his loneliness. In his sadness, he sent one of his eyes to search for them; upon their return, his joyful tears fell onto the ben-ben, fostering the emergence of humanity.
The narrative progresses, revealing that Shu and Tefnut ultimately gave birth to Geb (the earth) and Nut (the sky), who became inextricably linked but faced opposition from Atum, who separated them to ensure they would never touch. Nut subsequently became pregnant by Geb, giving birth to Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and Horus, who were subsequently tasked with maintaining earthly order, appointing Osiris as the ruler of all living beings.
Osiris Myth Development
The Osiris myth unfolds with Set’s envy of Osiris’s power and prestige. Osiris, alongside his wife Isis, transformed the lives of humankind through cultural, artistic, and agricultural advancements, rendering Egypt a verdant paradise characterized by harmony and equality.
Initially, Set and Nephthys appear to occupy secondary roles. However, as Nephthys adopts the guise of Isis to seduce Osiris, her true significance emerges. Depending on the narrative version, Osiris may either be lured by Nephthys’ charms or unwittingly consume a drugged beverage, leading him to her. The seduction culminates with Set discovering Osiris’s identity, launching a plan to eliminate him. He crafts a coffin modeled after Osiris and offers it as a challenge at a festivity—on which Osiris obligingly lays down, only for Set to seal the lid and cast it into the Nile.
As Nephthys bears a child, Anubis—the god of the dead—she abandons him, and Isis later finds the body of her husband. In her search, she uncovers the casket lodged in a tree in Byblos, leading to a series of events that involve cunning disguises, desperate searches, and the ultimate resurrection of Osiris, who, upon his revival, must rule the underworld due to the loss of his physical completeness.
The Contest of Horus and Set
As Horus matures, he stands against Set for kingship, leading to the famous legal struggles before the Ennead of Heliopolis. In the most recognized narratives, these proceedings illustrate Horus’s prevailing victories in various contests against Set, despite Atum’s reservations regarding Horus’s youth and experience.
Due to Horus’s triumphs in these contests, the Ennead ultimately decrees Horus as the rightful ruler, but only after prolonged disputes, instigated by Isis to reveal Set’s unjust actions.
The Significance of the Lamentations
This mythology was deeply significant to the Egyptians, embodying ideals of balance, harmony, and the importance of celestial justice. The death and resurrection of Osiris cemented a profound spiritual legacy for humanity’s journey toward the afterlife. The Cult of Osiris gained immense popularity, marked by rituals and recitations such as the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys, which sought to invoke Osiris’s spirit during celebrations.
The complete recitation of the Lamentations, preserved in the Berlin Papyrus 3008, captures the heartfelt dialogue between Isis and Nephthys as they call upon Osiris’s soul to return. By the end of the poetic verse, the hopeful refrain “Lo! He Comes!” heralds Osiris’s return to life, illustrating the significance of divine connections and the promise of eternal life.
Nephthys’s Role in Ra’s Journey
Long before the ascendancy of the Osiris myth, Nephthys served a crucial function in protecting Ra’s celestial barge from the threat of the serpent Apophis, emphasizing her longstanding significance. Throughout the Old Kingdom era, she was revered as the defender of Ra against night serpents, evolving into a vital part of the mythological framework that characterized Egyptian spirituality.
Nephthys’s Enduring Legacy
Throughout Egypt’s history, the worship of Nephthys endured as she evolved from a protector of life to a guiding force in the afterlife. Her temples were widespread, and her status maintained a unique identity, distinct yet complementary to that of Isis. As the healing aspect of death, Nephthys came to symbolize an unwavering guardian for souls navigating the afterlife, underscoring her critical role in ensuring that death was not an end but merely a transition to a new existence, with Nephthys offering care and companionship along the way.
In conclusion, Nephthys stands as a monumental figure within the vast tapestry of Egyptian mythology, embodying the themes of protection, death, and resurrection that resonates across centuries of cultural and religious practice.
