But the Egyptians, by combining with these
physical explanations some of the scientific results
derived from astronomy, think that by Typhon is
meant the solar world, and by Osiris the lunar world ;
they reason that the moon, because it has a light that
is generative and productive of moisture,1 is kindly
towards the young of animals and the burgeoning
plants, whereas the sun, by its untempered and pitiless heat, makes all growing and flourishing vegetation hot and parched, and, through its blazing light,
renders a large part of the earth uninhabitable, and
in many a region overpowers the moon. For this
reason the Egyptians regularly call Typhon ‘Seth,’
2
which, being interpreted, means ‘overmastering and
compelling.’ They have a legend that Heracles,
making his dwelling in the sun, is a companion for it
in its revolutions, as is the case also with Hermes and
the moon. In fact, the actions of the moon are like
actions of reason and perfect wisdom, whereas those
of the sun are like beatings administered through
violence and brute strength. The Stoics3 assert that
the sun is kindled and fed from the sea, but that for
the moon the moving waters from the springs and
lakes send up a sweet and mild exhalation.