Story Summary
Discover the epic tale of Ra's Journey Through the Underworld, where the sun god battles the serpent Apep to ensure the eternal cycle of dawn and rebirth.
Every evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, the sun god Ra transitions from his day ship to the Mesektet, the evening barge. Accompanied by a retinue of deities, he begins a perilous twelve-hour journey through the Duat, the Egyptian underworld. Each hour presents a new gate guarded by demons and trials that Ra must pass to ensure the sun rises again. The most terrifying challenge occurs in the seventh hour, where the giant serpent Apep, the embodiment of chaos, attempts to swallow the barge and plunge the universe into eternal darkness. With the help of the warrior god Set, who stands at the prow to pierce the serpent, and the protective coils of the snake-god Mehen, Ra overcomes the darkness. By the twelfth hour, Ra is rejuvenated, merging with the scarab god Khepri to emerge triumphantly on the eastern horizon, bringing light and life back to the world of the living.
The Moral
Light and order will always prevail over darkness and chaos so long as one possesses the courage to face the night.
“The serpent may coil in the deepest dark, but the dawn is the victory of the soul.”
Fun Fact
The detailed maps and descriptions of this journey were kept in a sacred text called the 'Amduat,' which was inscribed on the walls of Pharaohs' tombs to help them navigate the afterlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Ra's Journey Through the Underworld?
The moral is that the struggle against chaos is eternal, but persistence and cooperation ensure that light will always return. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cosmic order through bravery.
Who is the main antagonist in Ra's nightly journey?
The main antagonist is Apep (or Apophis), a giant serpent representing Isfet, or chaos. He seeks to consume the sun and end the cycle of time.
Why does the god Set help Ra in the underworld?
Despite his reputation in other myths, Set is the only god strong enough to withstand Apep's hypnotic gaze. He stands at the front of the boat to repel the serpent with a spear.
What happens if Ra fails his journey through the Duat?
If Ra were to be defeated, the sun would never rise again, and the world would return to the primordial state of watery chaos and darkness. This makes his journey vital for existence.
What are the twelve hours of the night in Egyptian myth?
Each of the twelve hours represents a different region of the underworld with its own specific gates and challenges. Ra must pass through all of them to reach the dawn.
How does Ra transform during the journey?
Ra enters the underworld as an elderly man or a ram-headed god representing the setting sun. By dawn, he is reborn as Khepri, the scarab god, symbolizing renewal.
