From Egyptian Mythology: The Trial of Set: Justice for Osiris

In the magical land of ancient Egypt, gods and goddesses ruled the world. Some were kind, some were clever, and some—well—caused big trouble.

One of the greatest tales from Egyptian mythology is about the murder of Osiris, the kind god who ruled the world with love and wisdom, and what happened to the one who hurt him—his own brother, Set.

Let’s travel back in time to learn about the Trial of Set, the god who had to face the other gods after doing something very, very bad.

Who Was Osiris?

Osiris was one of the most beloved gods in ancient Egypt. He was the god of life, death, and the afterlife. People said he taught humans how to grow crops, be kind, and live in peace. He was married to Isis, the powerful goddess of magic, and together they ruled Egypt with love.

But not everyone was happy with Osiris’s rule…

Set: The Jealous Brother

Osiris had a brother named Set (also spelled Seth). Set was the god of storms, chaos, and desert. While Osiris brought peace, Set brought destruction. Set grew jealous of Osiris. He wanted the throne for himself.

One day, Set made a trick coffin that would only fit Osiris. He threw a party and said, “Whoever fits in this box perfectly can keep it!” Osiris, being kind and trusting, lay down in the box. Set slammed the lid shut and sealed it with magic. Then he threw it into the Nile River, where Osiris died.

The World Falls Apart

When Isis found out, she was heartbroken. She searched far and wide to find Osiris’s body. With the help of her sister Nephthys and the god Anubis, she brought Osiris back to life for a short time. Then Osiris became the King of the Underworld, guiding the souls of the dead.

But up on Earth, Set took the throne, and everything went wrong. Crops dried up, storms raged, and people were afraid.

Horus Demands Justice

Isis and Osiris had a son named Horus. When Horus grew up, he wanted justice for his father. He challenged Set and said, “You cannot be king! You killed my father!”

The gods agreed that this was serious and needed to be settled. So they called a great trial in the heavenly court.

The Trial of Set

The trial was held before the mighty gods in the Hall of Justice. Ra, the sun god, and Thoth, the god of wisdom, were among the judges.

Set tried to defend himself. He said, “I am strong. I keep the world safe with storms. Osiris was weak.”

But Horus stood tall and brave. “My father ruled with peace. Set brought chaos and killed his own brother. That is wrong!”

The gods listened to both sides. They even watched a series of contests between Set and Horus—races, battles, and tests of strength. Set used tricks and lies, but Horus used courage and truth.

Set Is Found Guilty

At the end of the trial, the gods gave their judgment: Set was guilty of murdering Osiris and trying to steal the throne.

As punishment:

• Set was banished to the desert, where he would live forever, far from the people of Egypt.
• Horus became the rightful King of Egypt, bringing peace once again.

Some stories say Set was given a small role in guarding the sun god Ra during his night journey through the underworld—so even in punishment, he had a purpose.

What Kids Can Learn from This Story

• Truth wins over lies, even if the liar is strong or scary.
• Justice is important, and even gods must face the consequences of their actions.
• Family and love are powerful. Horus fought for his father with all his heart.

The Story Lives On

Even today, the story of Set and Osiris is told in temples and paintings across Egypt. The trial reminds people that no matter how dark the storm, truth and light will shine again.

So next time the wind howls or a storm passes by, remember the tale of Set, Osiris, and the brave Horus who stood for what was right.