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TED-Ed

The Egyptian myth of Isis and the seven scorpions - Alex Gendler

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A woman in rags emerged from a swamp flanked by seven giant scorpions and approached a magnificent mansion to beg for food. But the mistress of the house took one look at her grimy clothes and unusual companions and slammed the door in her face. Little did the mistress know the woman was no ordinary beggar, but the most powerful goddess in Egypt. Alex Gendler details the myth of Isis.

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The goddess Isis faced many challenges and dangers. But one particular episode reveals her dual nature as both a fearsome and merciful figure.

As in much of Egyptian mythology, representations of Isis and Serket vary between sources. The legend of the scorpions has been retold by scholars like James Frazier and Margaret Murray; Isis also plays a major role in the collection of funerary texts known as the Book of the Dead. Another well-known myth involving Isis and Ra can be found here.





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Meet The Creators

Educator
Alex Gendler
Director
Bren López Zepeda
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Sound Designer
Nick Lavigne
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Editorial Producer
Alex Gendler
Producer
Bethany Cutmore-Scott
Associate Editorial Producer
Elizabeth Cox
Fact-Checker
Eden Girma

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