The Egyptian Sun—Ra, King of the Gods
In the rich world of ancient Egyptian mythology, no deity shines as brightly as Ra, the sun god. Literally. Revered as the king of the gods, Ra's influence pervades every aspect of Egyptian culture and religion. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of Ra, exploring his symbolism, mythology, and the profound impact he had on ancient Egypt and how he inspired his fictional counterpart in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.
Who is Ra?
Ra, also known as Re, is the epitome of the sun in ancient Egyptian mythology. He is not just a representation of the sun's power but was believed to be the sun itself. As one of the oldest gods in the Egyptian pantheon, Ra's worship dates back to the second dynasty (2890 – 2686 BCE). Pharaohs often styled themselves as "sons of Ra" to draw upon his divine authority and power.
Ra in Egyptian Culture
Ra was the symbol of life, growth, and warmth. The ancient Egyptians saw him as the giver of life, akin to the sun's role in nurturing the earth. His influence was so profound that by the first century BCE, Ra was worshipped in temples and festivals throughout Egypt.
Typically, Ra is depicted as a falcon-headed man, crowned with a sun disc, embodying the majestic bird's soaring spirit and the sun's life-giving power. He is also shown as Ra-Horakhty, a fusion with Horus, the sky god, and in other forms, including a scarab beetle, Ra-Khepri.
Ra's Roles and Functions
Ra's vast powers and influence are best understood by examining his roles. As the sun god, Ra sails across the sky in his barge, symbolizing the journey of the sun. This is known as Ra in the Heavens. On Earth, before his ascent to the heavens, Ra directly ruled over creation and gave laws to humanity. In the underworld (Duat), at night, Ra travels through the underworld, merging with Osiris, the god of the dead. As a creator, Ra is seen in creation myths as the self-created god who established order and birthed other deities. Lastly, as King and Father of the King, this role of Ra highlights his connection to the pharaohs and the divine order of kingship.
Ra's Myths and Legends
Each day, Ra's journey across the sky and through the underworld depicts the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. At night, in Duat, he battles Apep, the serpent of chaos, ensuring the sun's return each morning. This constant cycle symbolizes the eternal struggle between order and chaos.
One notable myth involves Ra growing old and weary of humanity’s sins. This story leads to Ra unleashing Sekhmet, the goddess of war, to punish humanity. The tale ends with Ra tricking Sekhmet to prevent her from destroying all of humanity.
Tired of ruling over humans, Ra ascends to the heavens on the back of Nut, the sky goddess, symbolizing his transition from a direct ruler to a divine overseer. This ascent also marked the delegation of his ruling responsibilities to other gods and humans.
Ra in Egyptian Worship and Temples
Ra's temples, notably in Heliopolis, were unique as they didn't contain his statue but were open to the sunlight he represented. The Sun Temples, especially from the Fifth Dynasty onwards, became centers of worship, reflecting Ra's connection to the pharaohs and the state.
Pharaohs of the Fifth Dynasty and beyond incorporated "Son of Ra" into their titles, emphasizing their divine right to rule. This practice continued throughout Egypt's history, solidifying Ra's central role in the state and religion.
Ra's Legacy
Ra's influence extended beyond his own cult. He was seen as the unseen force behind other gods and goddesses, like Bastet, Hathor, and Isis, linking them to the life force Ra represented. As the giver of life and the breath of life, Ra's significance in Egyptian mythology and culture cannot be overstated.
Ra in Treasures of Egypt
Spoiler Warning: This section contains light world-building spoilers from the novel "Treasures of Egypt."
In "Treasures of Egypt," the character of Ra largely mirrors his traditional depiction in ancient Egyptian mythology. However, a twist in the novel is the origin of the gods. Unlike mythology where gods are inherently divine, in this narrative, gods like Ra and Apep are ascended mortals.
Furthermore, in the novel, Ra and Apep are portrayed as brothers, introducing a familial dimension to their relationship that isn't present in classical mythology. This familial link extends to other gods too, with Ra being the direct father of Isis, Osiris, Set, Nephthys, Bastet, and Sekhmet. This differs from traditional myths where these relationships are more varied and complex.
By reimagining these divine relationships, "Treasures of Egypt" offers a fresh take on ancient Egyptian mythology, while still respecting the essence of the original legends. This blend of old and new enriches the story, providing readers with a unique and engaging experience.
Conclusion
Ra, the Egyptian sun god, stands as a timeless symbol of power, creation, and divine order. His myths and worship have left an indelible mark on Egyptian culture, religion, and history, making him an iconic figure in the study of ancient civilizations.
Remember to cast the spell of regular updates to be the first to know about new posts, novels, and get many behind-the-scenes exclusives. If you would like to meet Ra in the realm of fiction, consider checking out my YA fantasy novel “Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.”
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