Ra is one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology, worshiped since pre-dynastic times. His name is derived from the verb “rwy” which means “to go” or “to travel”, as he is considered the god of the sun, who travels across the sky every day. He is often referred to as 'Re', 'Re' or 'Ra', and is sometimes depicted as a falcon or a falcon-headed man.
The symbolism of Ra is linked to the sun and to light. He is considered the creator of the universe and the supreme god, who rules over the other Egyptian deities. It is also associated with justice, truth and cosmic order.
Among Ra's feats we can cite the creation of the universe and living beings, as well as his victory over the forces of chaos represented by the serpent Apophis, which threatens every day to devour the sun on its journey through the sky.
Ra must bring light and heat to the Earth, thus allowing life and growth. He is also considered a healing god, able to heal illnesses and wounds.
Ra is usually depicted as a falcon-headed man, carrying the sun disk on his head. It can also be represented in the form of a ram or a beetle, symbols of renewal and regeneration.
Ra's genealogy is complex and varies according to different versions of Egyptian myths. In some traditions, he is considered the son of Nut, the goddess of the sky, and Geb, the god of the Earth. In others, he is considered the father of several deities, including Shu and Tefnut.
In the creation myth, Ra creates the universe using his own creative force, and thus becomes the supreme god. He is also associated with the myth of the solar race, in which he travels across the sky each day in his solar boat, battling the forces of chaos to ensure the cycle of life.
Ra has complex interactions with the other Egyptian gods, often in conflict with them to establish his power. He is associated with many deities, including Horus, Thoth, Osiris and Bastet, each playing an important role in Egyptian mythology. Ra was also revered throughout the ancient world, and his cult extended throughout Egypt and beyond its borders.
His legend
In the time of the gods Ra was the most powerful of all, he reigned over heaven and earth. But one day, mortals dared to doubt his power and his existence. Angry, Ra decided to leave the earth and retire to heaven.
However, the god of the night, Apophis, took advantage of this to try to take over the world. With his dark allies, he attacked Ra, fighting him every night while trying to prevent him from being reborn every morning. Thus, Ra had to fight every night to protect his power and maintain order in the world.
One day, tired of these exhausting battles, Ra decided to seek an ally to help him in his fight against Apophis. He appealed to Isis, the magician, who offered her help. Using her magical powers, Isis fashioned a silver serpent capable of killing Apophis, the god of the night.
It was then that the famous “Solar Race” began. Ra, mounted on a solar boat, navigated the sky every day, representing the cycle of day and night. He fought Apophis every night, narrowly avoiding his attacks, until the Silver Serpent sent by Isis killed him for good.
But the solar race was not only a fight against darkness. It was also a symbolic journey through the different regions of Egypt, represented by the twelve hours of the night. Every hour, Ra encountered a different deity, with whom he interacted.
Thus, he met Thoth, the god of wisdom, who offered him advice on how to defeat Apophis, or even Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty, who encouraged him in his fight.
Finally, after many epic battles, Ra triumphed over Apophis, and the world once again knew peace. Thanks to his courage and perseverance, Ra became more than just a sun god. He embodied the ideal of the divine warrior, fighting relentlessly against the forces of evil to protect the world and maintain divine order.
His story in pictures
Egyptian deities other than Ra