Isis and the Seven ScorpionsA short tale of kindness which reflects on Isis as a loving and caring goddess.
Isis always took seven scorpions with her when she left Horus in the evening while they were hiding in the papyrus swamps close to Buto. Petet, Tjetet, and Matet, three of the scorpions who were in front of her, ensured that the way was clear. The scorpions Mesetet and Mesetetef were by her side. Tefen and Befen were in last place.
Isis cautioned her companions to use the utmost caution at night to prevent letting Seth know where they were. She would remind them to avoid chatting with anyone they encountered on the way.
Isis was on her way one night to the Nile Delta town of the Two Sisters. When the strange party arrived, a wealthy noblewoman quickly closed the entrance to her home. The scorpions decided to discipline the woman after being irritated by her impolite behaviour. Tefen prepared by receiving the different poisons from six of the scorpions, who then put them into his stinger. In the meantime, Isis had accepted a modest invitation to stay in the home of a lowly peasant girl.
The young girl's consideration for their mistress did not appease the scorpion, and Tefen sneaked out of the house. He entered the noblewoman's home by crawling under the door and stung her son. She was distraught as she walked the streets of the town looking for assistance for her dying kid.
The woman's calls for aid were heard by Isis. Notwithstanding the mother's rude behaviour towards her, Isis left with the woman to assist the woman's son because she could not face the idea of the innocent child's death. Isis murmured words of immense enchantment while holding the boy in her arms. By giving each scorpion a name, she gained control over them and made their combined venom safe for the infant.
Isis' unwavering kindness humbled the noblewoman, who then gave Isis and the peasant girl who had welcomed the visitor all her worldly possessions as thanks.
