Gods of Ancient Egypt – Ra
The document provides an extensive overview of Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, highlighting his significance, mythology, and worship. Ra is described as a transcendent deity often syncretized with other gods, such as Atum, Khnum, Amun, and Horus, representing different aspects of creation and the sun’s cycle (morning, midday, and evening). His mythos includes his role as the creator, his struggles against adversaries like Apep in the underworld, and his interactions with other gods, such as Isis, who gained his secret name to save him from venom. Ra’s worship dates back to the Second Dynasty and peaked during the Old Kingdom, where rulers were considered “Sons of Ra” and temples with obelisks symbolized his power.
Ra’s myths include the Bennu bird, akin to the phoenix, symbolizing creation and renewal. He is depicted as a falcon-headed man with a sun disc and cobra headdress, traveling in his night boat through the underworld. His eye, represented by Hathor and Sekhmet, is a powerful force used to punish humanity. Ra’s daily journey across the sky and his role in creation are celebrated in hymns, emphasizing his perfection, radiance, and eternal labor.
