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Timeline

Gods of Egypt (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 127 min · English
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Directed by
Alex Proyas
Starring
Gerard Butler, Chadwick Boseman, Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Geoffrey Rush
Budget
$140M

When Egypt falls into chaos under the rule of the ruthless god Set, a humble thief named Bek finds himself caught in a divine conflict. He joins forces with the powerful god Horus to challenge Set’s reign and restore balance to the land. Their battle takes them across the heavens, testing both mortal and deity in trials of bravery and selflessness as they fight for the fate of Egypt.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Gods of Egypt
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Gods of Egypt Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Gods of Egypt (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. The Coronation of Horus

    The story begins with the coronation of Horus, the lord of the air, officiated by his father, King Osiris. This festive event is attended by many, including mortal thief Bek and his beloved Zaya, who harbor little faith in the gods' intentions towards humanity.

    When
    Prior to Osiris's death
    Where
    Ancient Egypt
  2. Osiris's Brutal Murder

    During the coronation festivities, tragedy strikes when Osiris is murdered by his envious brother Set. This violent act plunges the celebration into chaos and marks the beginning of Set's tyrannical rule.

    When
    During Horus's coronation
    Where
    The Palace
  3. Set Takes the Throne

    Following Osiris’s death, Set seizes the throne and imposes a cruel decree requiring riches from the deceased for entry into the afterlife. This starkly contrasts Osiris’s fair judgment based on one’s deeds.

    When
    Immediate aftermath of Osiris's murder
    Where
    The Throne Room
  4. Horus's Exile

    After being stripped of his eyes and nearly killed, Horus is exiled at Hathor’s plea to Set. This marks a pivotal moment, leaving Horus vulnerable and without his divine power.

    When
    Shortly after Set's ascension
    Where
    Outside the Palace
  5. A Year of Slavery

    A year passes, and Bek now finds himself enslaved under Urshu, facing an uphill battle to change his fate. When he learns of Zaya’s dire fate at Urshu’s hands, desperation sets in.

    When
    One year later
    Where
    The Slave Quarters
  6. The Quest for Horus

    Determined to save Zaya, Bek seeks out Horus, believing he is the only one who can help. He is given blueprints to Set's treasure vault, setting the stage for their fateful encounter.

    When
    Following the revelation of Zaya's fate
    Where
    The Underground
  7. A Tragic Loss

    Despite Bek’s efforts, their escape attempt leads to Zaya's tragic death at the hands of Urshu. Heartbroken, Bek is resolute to strike a deal with Horus to attempt her resurrection.

    When
    After retrieving Horus's eye
    Where
    The Stronghold
  8. Journey to Ra

    Bek and Horus embark on a perilous journey to the divine vessel of Ra, hoping to gain strength against Set. Their travel reveals Ra's indifference to their plight, embroiled in his own conflict with the monster Apophis.

    When
    During their quest
    Where
    Divine Realm
  9. Acquiring Divine Waters

    During their journey, Horus manages to acquire divine waters from Ra meant to weaken Set. Armed with this newfound power, Horus reaffirms his path of avenging his parents’ deaths.

    When
    After meeting Ra
    Where
    Ra's Domain
  10. The Warning from Hathor

    Hathor finds Horus and Bek, alerting them of Set's plans to collect the powers of other gods. This drives them to enlist Thoth’s knowledge as they prepare to confront Set and his formidable guardians.

    When
    En route to Set's lair
    Where
    The Hidden Oasis
  11. Confronting Set

    As they enter Set's lair, the group faces his cunning traps and the powerful guardian sphinx. Set, in a desperate rage, destroys Horus's divine water and kills Thoth, escalating the stakes of their conflict.

    When
    At the stronghold
    Where
    Set's Lair
  12. Horus's Transformation

    Acknowledging his neglect of mortal concerns, Horus undergoes a profound transformation, motivated by the desire to protect his people. His bond with Bek deepens as they face overwhelming odds.

    When
    During the confrontation with Set
    Where
    Set's Stronghold
  13. The Climactic Battle

    In a fierce showdown, Horus taps into his true powers, embracing his destiny to protect. The battle culminates in defeating Set, who struggles with his own fate and the rejection of his role.

    When
    During the climactic battle
    Where
    The Battlefield
  14. Restoration of Balance

    In the wake of victory, Horus revives both Bek and Zaya, restoring balance to the realm. A new era begins, one that promises fairness in the afterlife.

    When
    After Set's defeat
    Where
    The Afterlife Realm
  15. Horus's New Role

    As the crowned king guided by Thoth's wisdom, Horus ensures that only those with virtuous intents find peace in the afterlife. His journey signifies a hopeful future for both gods and mortals.

    When
    At the film's conclusion
    Where
    The Throne

Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:04

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Timeline questions answered

Gods of Egypt Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Gods of Egypt (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Set kill Osiris in Gods of Egypt?

Set killed Osiris out of envy and a desire for power. Osiris was the rightful ruler of Egypt, and Set resented that his brother held the throne while he was passed over. During Horus's coronation, Set murdered Osiris in cold blood to seize the throne for himself and implement his tyrannical rule over Egypt.

  • set
  • osiris
  • murder
  • brother
  • throne
  • power
Q2

Why was Horus exiled instead of killed after Set took over?

Set chose to exile Horus rather than kill him because of his arrogance and vanity. After stripping Horus of his eyes (which gave him divine power), Set spared Horus's life at Hathor's emotional pleading, viewing the blind, powerless Horus as no threat. This decision proved catastrophic for Set, as Horus eventually returned to challenge him.

Foreshadowing: Set's pride in his own power mirrors the flaw that leads to his downfall.

  • horus
  • exile
  • set
  • eyes
  • power
  • hathor
Q3

What happened to Zaya in Gods of Egypt?

Zaya was killed during an escape attempt from Set's stronghold. Bek retrieved one of Horus's eyes using blueprints Zaya provided, but their attempt to flee resulted in Urshu (their slave master) killing Zaya. Her death drove Bek to seek out the blind Horus and strike a desperate deal to resurrect her.

  • zaya
  • bek
  • death
  • urhsuh
  • resurrection
Q4

Why didn't Ra help Horus fight Set?

Ra was preoccupied with his own battle against Apophis, a monstrous shadow creature that threatens the universe. Though initially apathetic toward the conflict between the gods, Ra eventually provided Horus with divine waters that could weaken Set, recognizing that Horus's cause aligned with preventing complete chaos.

  • ra
  • apophis
  • divine water
  • battle
  • power
Q5

How did Horus regain his powers in the final battle?

Horus regained his powers through two key elements: the divine waters from Ra that could weaken Set, and his own transformation when he realized his true purpose was to protect his people rather than seek personal vengeance. After Bek's death triggered Horus's awakening, he fully embraced his destiny and unlocked his full divine potential.

Foreshadowing: Horus's earlier detachment from mortal concerns contrasts with his eventual willingness to sacrifice everything.

  • horus
  • powers
  • divine water
  • awakening
  • destiny
Q6

What was the significance of Horus's eye in the story?

Horus's eyes were the source of his divine power. When Set overthrew Horus, he physically removed both eyes, leaving Horus blinded and powerless. Bek managed to retrieve one eye, which became the key bargaining chip for his deal with Horus to resurrect Zaya. The eye represented both Horus's lost divinity and his path to reclaiming it.

  • horus
  • eye
  • power
  • set
  • blindness
Q7

Why did Set want to collect the other gods' powers?

Set sought to collect the powers of the other gods to become strong enough to defeat Ra, the supreme deity. By attacking the remaining gods and absorbing their divine essence, Set hoped to amass sufficient power to overthrow Ra and rule the entire universe without any challenge to his authority.

  • set
  • gods
  • power
  • ra
  • absorb
Q8

How did Bek die and get resurrected in the movie?

Bek died sacrificing himself during the climactic battle against Set, which triggered Horus's awakening to his true purpose. After Horus defeated Set, he used his restored divine powers to resurrect both Bek and Zaya, bringing them back to life and establishing a new era where virtue is rewarded in the afterlife.

  • bek
  • death
  • resurrection
  • horus
  • sacrifice
Q9

What was the bracelet Horus gave Hathor?

Horus gave Hathor a protective bracelet made from the stars, which he had given her during her time as a guide for souls in the underworld. This gift symbolized their romantic connection and served as a protective talisman, representing Horus's love and concern for her safety throughout the conflict.

  • hathor
  • bracelet
  • stars
  • protection
  • love
Q10

Why did Horus change his attitude toward mortals?

Horus initially disregarded mortal concerns, viewing himself as above their struggles. However, through his bond with Bek, a mortal who showed courage, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice everything, Horus realized the value of mortal life. Bek's selflessness and faith in Horus transformed the god's perspective, shifting his motivation from personal vengeance to protecting all people.

Foreshadowing: Bek's lack of faith in the gods at the start contrasts with the trust he places in Horus.

  • horus
  • mortals
  • bek
  • faith
  • transformation
Q11

What happened to Set at the end of Gods of Egypt?

Set was killed by Horus in the climactic battle. Despite acquiring pieces of divine power from other gods, Set ultimately failed in his attempt to defeat Ra and rule the universe. During the fight, Horus recognized Set's weakness and used his newly awakened powers to destroy the villain, ending Set's tyrannical reign over Egypt.

  • set
  • death
  • horus
  • battle
  • defeat

Movie threads

More Movies Like Gods of Egypt, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Gods of Egypt tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Epic God Battles like in Gods of Egypt

High-stakes adventures where gods and mortals clash for the fate of the world. Explore movies like Gods of Egypt that feature high-stakes divine conflicts, mythic worlds, and fast-paced action. If you enjoyed the battle between Horus and Set, you'll find similar thrilling adventures where mortals and deities team up in grandiose fights for the fate of their world.

  • epic
  • grandiose
  • thrilling
  • high-stakes
  • mythic
  • heroic
  • Tone: tense, grandiose
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with a catastrophic event—often a god's ascension or a coup—that throws the world into chaos. A mortal protagonist, often an unlikely hero, is thrust into the conflict and must align with a deposed or weakened divine ally. The plot revolves around a linear quest to reclaim power, involving battles, traps, and tests of character, culminating in a large-scale final confrontation that restores order.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core DNA of high-octane pacing, visually spectacular settings, and a clear-cut moral conflict. The emphasis is on the epic scale of the struggle rather than deep character complexity, delivering a consistently tense and thrilling experience from start to finish.

Mortals Among Gods like in Gods of Egypt

Stories where a human becomes the key player in a conflict of cosmic powers. Discover movies similar to Gods of Egypt where a mortal protagonist becomes pivotal in a divine war. If you liked Bek's journey from thief to savior, you'll enjoy these stories of ordinary humans stepping up in epic conflicts between gods, demons, or cosmic entities.

  • heroic
  • desperate
  • high-stakes
  • redemptive
  • underdog
  • mythic
  • Tone: heroic, desperate
  • Pacing: fast, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a mortal's life being upended by a celestial conflict they cannot ignore. Initially an underdog or outsider, the human character forms an uneasy alliance with a powerful being. Their value is not in raw power but in their humanity—ingenuity, courage, or willingness to sacrifice—which proves to be the critical factor in tipping the scales against a tyrannical force.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by the compelling dynamic of a mortal protagonist operating in a realm of gods. They share themes of redemption, self-sacrifice, and the idea that human qualities can triumph over pure divine might, creating a relatable anchor point within otherwise grandiose and fantastical settings.

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Every angle

Gods of Egypt (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Gods of Egypt in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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