Skip to main content

The Egyptian myth of the death of Osiris - Alex Gendler

  • 3,473,773 Views
  • 11,560 Questions Answered
  • TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Long jealous of his older brother Osiris, the god who ruled all of Egypt, the warrior god Set plotted to overthrow him. Hosting an extravagant party as a ruse, Set announced a game— whoever could fit perfectly in a wooden chest could have it as a gift. But the chest was a coffin, trapping Osiris inside. Will his sisters be able to find and free him? Alex Gendler details the myth of Osiris.


Customize this lesson181

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Keegan Thornhill
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Keegan Thornhill
  • Animator Keegan Thornhill
  • Background Artist Dwayne de Kock
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Elizabeth Cox
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The god Osiris had ruled benevolently over Egypt, bringing peace and prosperity. But unfortunately, his brother Set had other plans. Learn about this tragic myth of death and rebirth.

There is no single original source for the legend of Osiris; rather it was compiled from fragments and mentions by authors such the Greek historian Plutarch, and British Egyptologist Margaret Murray. John Baines explains why the source material for Egyptian myth poses such difficulty.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Keegan Thornhill
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Keegan Thornhill
  • Animator Keegan Thornhill
  • Background Artist Dwayne de Kock
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Elizabeth Cox
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

More from Myths From Around the World