Dating from the 5th Dynasty in Egypt, Isis is known as a powerful magician, stronger than all other deities in her magical prowess. She is the principle deity in death rites and seen as protector of the dead and healer of the sick. She was partner to Osiris and responsible for recovering his body and, using her magical powers, she making Osiris whole again. After bringing him back she bore their son Horus before Osiris was made to retreat to the underworld, becoming King of the Dead. Isis raised Horus and eventually arranged his eventual rise to the throne of Egypt. Through this story her association with motherhood, and representation in motherhood was born.

Usually depicted as a beautiful woman with solar disk and cow's horns above her head, Isis is represented by the hieroglyph "throne" and sometimes by a scorpion. She is associated with the gemstone Lapis Lazuli and Red Jasper.