An aretology is a list of a deity’s powers, virtues, miraculous deeds, and attributes. Six Isis’ aretologies are known to us today, dating from the first century B.C.to the third century A.D. The Kyme aretology of Isis was found in her temple and is the only one which is completely preserved. Kyme is located in Anatolia.
“I am Isis, the ruler of every land, and I was taught by Hermes, and with Hermes I devised letters, both, the sacred and the demotic, that all might not be written with the same. I gave laws to mankind and ordained what no one can change.
I am the eldest daughter of Kronos. I am the wife and sister of King Osiris. I am the one who discovered corn for mankind. I am the mother of King Horus. I am the one who rises in the Dog Star. (…)
I divided earth from heaven. I appointed the paths of the stars. I regulated the passage of sun and moon, I showed initiations to humans. I taught them to honour images of the gods. I am mistress of rivers, winds, and sea. I am mistress of war. I am mistress of the thunderbolt. I am in the rays of the sun. I raised islands from the deep into the light. I conquered fate. To me fate listens. Hail Egypt who nourished me.”
Translation: Louis V. Žabkar, Hymns to Isis in her temple at Philae (1988), 140-141.
The quoted aretology is dated to the 1st/2nd century.
Photo: Head of Isis, Granite, 9 cm, ca. 722-655 BC, Egypt, F 1949/2.2 © Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden
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