Osiris vs. Anubis: Who Truly Rules the Underworld?

The ancient Egyptian pantheon is rich with deities who governed life, death, and the afterlife. Among these, Osiris and Anubis stand out as two of the most significant gods associated with the underworld. While both played crucial roles in guiding the souls of the deceased, their responsibilities and domains were distinct. Let’s explore the differences between Osiris and Anubis, analyzing their functions and clarifying who truly ruled the underworld in Egyptian mythology.

Anubis: The Guardian and Guide of Souls

Anubis, depicted as a jackal-headed deity, was originally the primary god associated with death and funerary practices. He was known as the god of mummification and the protector of graves, ensuring that the deceased received proper burial rites. His role extended to guiding souls through the underworld, leading them to judgment in the Hall of Ma’at.

One of Anubis’ most iconic roles was in the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony. He carefully monitored the scales that measured the heart of the deceased against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was deemed worthy of entering the afterlife; if it was heavier, it was devoured by Ammit, the soul-eating beast.

Osiris: The King of the Underworld

Osiris, often depicted as a mummified figure with green skin, was the god of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility. According to mythology, Osiris was the first ruler of Egypt until he was betrayed and murdered by his jealous brother Set. His body was later reassembled by his wife, Isis, and he was resurrected, but he did not return to rule the land of the living. Instead, he took his place as the ruler of the underworld and the final judge of the dead.

Unlike Anubis, who oversaw the process of getting souls to judgment, Osiris presided over the final destination of the righteous. Those who passed the Weighing of the Heart were welcomed into the Field of Reeds, an eternal paradise ruled by Osiris. His role as the ultimate judge solidified his status as the true ruler of the underworld.

Who Truly Rules the Underworld?

While both Osiris and Anubis played integral roles in the afterlife, Osiris is ultimately recognized as the ruler of the underworld. Anubis functioned as a guide, protector, and facilitator of judgment, ensuring the deceased reached their final destination. However, it was Osiris who held authority over the underworld and determined the fate of those who passed through it.

The shift in dominance from Anubis to Osiris likely reflects the evolution of Egyptian religious beliefs. Early on, Anubis was the primary deity associated with the dead, but as Osiris’ mythology developed, he took on a more significant role in the underworld. Eventually, Anubis was relegated to a more specialized function, while Osiris became the supreme judge of the dead.

In Egyptian mythology, both Anubis and Osiris were essential figures in the afterlife, but their functions were distinct. Anubis was the guide and protector of souls, ensuring their journey through the underworld was just and orderly. Osiris, on the other hand, was the final ruler of the underworld, presiding over the judgment and granting the righteous access to eternal paradise. While Anubis played a crucial role in the underworld, it was ultimately Osiris who ruled it, solidifying his place as one of the most powerful deities in Egyptian mythology.

—Silviya.Y