Ra is one of the most important gods in Egyptian mythology and is often known as the sun god. Every morning, the sun rises with the supreme power of Ra, bringing light and life to the world. However, at the end of the day, as the sun sets, Ra’s soul embarks on a perilous journey through the underworld. This journey symbolizes the struggle against dark forces and the concept of rebirth. When the sun sets, Ra boards the sacred sun boat called “Mandjet.” This boat carries him to the underworld, known as “Duat,” the realm of the dead. Duat is filled with dark and dangerous entities, making Ra’s journey difficult. He was with protective gods and spirits on his boat, particularly the powerful lion-headed goddess Sekhmet and the god of wisdom, Thoth.
Ra’s greatest enemy is the giant serpent Apophis (Apep), who is symbolized by chaos and destruction. Every night, Apophis attempts to block Ra’s path and swallow his boat. Apophis wanted to defeat Ra, prevent the sun from rising again, and plunge the world into eternal darkness. During this epic battle, Ra and his protectors fight Apophis with great bravery. Thoth’s magical words and Sekhmet’s fierce power assist Ra on this dangerous journey. As Ra represents light and life, his victory preserves the balance of the entire universe.
Following this nightly fierce battle, Ra’s light begins to emerge from the depths of darkness. This rebirth occurs with the first light of dawn. Ra rises from the horizon and once again spreads light to the world. This cycle symbolizes the continuity of life and the order of the universe. Ra’s journey through the underworld holds great significance in Egyptian mythology. This legend not only explains the cycle between the sun’s rise and set but also represents the constant struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. Ra’s victory symbolizes the supremacy of life and order over chaos.
Additionally, this legend reflects the Egyptian people’s beliefs about life after death. It is believed that the souls of the dead undergo a similar journey as Ra does in the underworld. Therefore, Ra’s courage and resurrection in this arduous journey have been a source of hope and inspiration for the Egyptian people.
In conclusion, Ra’s journey through the underworld is one of the most powerful and influential legends in Egyptian mythology. This legend symbolizes not only the daily movement of the sun but also universal cycles and the immortality of the human soul. Ra’s struggle against darkness and his rebirth each morning is a powerful symbol in Egyptian culture, celebrating the victory of life and order.
Resources:
(Umut Yakar, 2023)
Photo by Nathan Cima on Unsplash