EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY. | 31 
domestic disturbances and wars which broke out from time to time, and 
brought in their train necessary deviations from the customary ceremonies, 
whilst, on the other hand, they caused the propagation of new ideas by the 
contact of different elements of the people. Thus arose, at different periods, 
entirely new systems, which wholly or partially supplanted those that were 
already established. But it was also very natural that during each contest 
of a new with an old system, no matter whether followed by the suppression 
of the latter or its amalgamation with the other, each would seek for the 
victory by its natural weapons, and hence new myths were introduced on 
all such occasions. 
This will account for the various ingredients found in Egyptian mythology, 
such as Leteshism, particularly the worship of animals and plants, Saba@ism, 
and the worship of nature in general; and with these strangely-connected 
Anthropomorphism, the worship of deified human beings. 
It will, therefore, not appear strange that this mythology is so full of 
contradictions and uncertainties that it is almost impossible to speak with 
any certainty concerning the number, name, and particulars of all its gods. 
To the causes here enumerated, which render it difficult to gratify our 
curiosity, we must add another; the great unwillingness which the ancient 
Egyptian priests evinced to spread their knowledge beyond the precincts 
of their own temples, which caused them to invent a system of hiero- 
glyphics bearing a double or triple signification, in which hieroglyphics 
they wrote the mysteries of their religion. Not until these hieroglyphics 
are deciphered will it be possible to have a perfect knowledge of the 
Egyptian antiquities. 
The following is the result of the latest information drawn from the most 
reliable authorities. But before we enter fully upon the subject, we will 
preface the theogony by a myth which is as interesting as it is important 
to know ; for it will show that the Egyptian mythology with which we are 
acquainted is of a later origin, and somewhat different from that of the 
primitive inhabitants. 
1. Myru or Osiris Ann Isis. Osdris, the sun, and sis, the moon, which 
were, with Hermes, the three most important gods of the ancient Egyptians, 
were at one time induced to descend to the earth to bestow gifts and bless- 
ings on its inhabitants. 
Isis showed them first the use of wheat and barley, and Osiris made the 
instruments of agriculture, and taught them the use of them, as well as how 
to harness the ox to the plough. He then gave men not only the fruits of 
the field, but also laws, the institution of marriage, a civil organization, and 
taught them how to worship the gods. After he had thus made the valley 
of the Nile a happy country, he assembled a host, with which he went to 
bestow his blessings upon the rest of the world. He conquered the nations 
everywhere, but not with weapons, only with music and eloquence. His 
brother Zyphon (pl. 8, jig. 21) saw this, and, filled with envy and malice, 
sought, during his absence, to usurp his throne. But Isis, who had 
returned, and held the reins of government, frustrated his plans. Still 
more embittered, he now resolved to kill his brother. This he did in the 
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