The Significance of Ra in Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
Ra, also known as Re, stands as a pivotal figure in the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities. As one of the earliest gods, he later merged with other deities, such as Horus, giving rise to Ra-Horakhty (symbolizing the morning sun), Amun (representing the noon sun), and Atum (symbolizing the evening sun). These representations highlight his association with the essential life force conveyed by the sun.
The term “Ra” translates to “sun” in Egyptian, and as a solar deity, he was perceived not only as a powerful force but also as the sun itself. Ra was envisioned as a mighty god traversing the sky in his celestial barge during daylight before descending into the underworld at dusk. Throughout his nighttime journey, he faced relentless attacks by the formidable serpent Apophis (or Apep), who sought to thwart the sun’s re-ascension and, by extension, threaten life on Earth.
Scholar Richard H. Wilkinson emphasizes Ra’s paramount importance in Egyptian mythology, attributing his status to both his life-giving solar powers and his substantial influence on subsequent deities, such as Amun and Horus. Amun would develop a cult of worship that bordered on monotheistic devotion and overshadowed other deities. Ra’s identity as the “king and father of the king” highlighted his pivotal relationship with Horus, while his connection to the creator god Atum led to interchangeable use in various creation narratives.
In analyzing Ra’s complex nature, Wilkinson identifies five primary aspects of his role:
- Ra in the Heavens
- Ra on Earth
- Ra in the Netherworld
- Ra as Creator
- Ra as King and Father of the King
The study of Ra is particularly significant due to the extensive reach of his influence in Egyptian religion and the long-standing tradition of his worship, which dates back to the Old Kingdom (circa 2613-2181 BCE) and persisted for nearly two millennia until the advent of Christianity.
Origins and Worship of Ra
The earliest references to Ra are found in the Pyramid Texts (circa 2400-2300 BCE), recognized as the world’s oldest religious documents, inscribed within the tombs of Saqqara. Here, Ra is depicted as guiding the spirit of the deceased king to the paradise known as the Field of Reeds in his celestial barge. The worship of Ra was already deep-rooted by the time these texts were produced—evidence of a rich oral tradition preceding written records. His primary cult center was established in Iunu, or Heliopolis as named by the Greeks, which translates to “city of the sun god.” In these inscriptions, Ra emerges not merely as the supreme deity but as the essence of divine harmony and balance.
Typically illustrated as a falcon-headed figure, Ra frequently bears a solar disc atop his head. He is revered as the Self-Created-One, a critical character in creation myths, depicted as originating from the primordial mound amid chaotic waters. It is Ra who establishes order, brings forth other gods, and initiates creation. The power of Heka, representing divine magic, is linked to Ra, who, as the first god, birthed Heka to maintain control over this magic.
His worship was already firmly established by Egypt’s Second Dynasty, reflected in dedicated sacrifices made to him. By the 5th Dynasty, kings synonymous with Ra constructed impressive Sun Temples, affirming their reign through his divine lineage. Additionally, the Mnevis bull at Heliopolis embodied Ra’s presence, mirroring the later recognized Apis bull.
Ra’s Influence in the Heavens
Ra’s association with the heavens is elaborated in ancient texts, notably the Book of the Heavenly Cow, composed during the Middle Kingdom (2040-1782 BCE) but with roots that may trace back to the First Intermediate Period. This text recounts Ra’s ascension to the sky due to the treachery of humanity, inciting him to summon The Eye of Ra—often personified as a goddess—who acts as both an agent of destruction and a transformative force.
The tale narrates Hathor’s unleashing upon humans, resulting in mass devastation. Only after recognizing the consequences of her wrath did Ra intervene, and through a clever ruse involving beer dyed red to imitate blood, he sedates Hathor’s vengeful form as Sekhmet, restoring her to her benevolent nature.
Exhausted from earthly governance, Ra implores the goddess Nut to elevate him to the heavens, where he delegates the management of the earth’s order to other deities, relegating him solely to his journey across the sky in his divine barge.
Ra’s Rule on Earth
Before his ascent, Ra actively governed his creation from the earth, instilling laws that were later conveyed to humankind by the gods Osiris and Isis during a perceived golden age. His influence manifested through the natural world: sunlight, crop growth, and seasonal changes—all attributed to Ra.
Wilkinson highlights Ra’s control over the seasons and the annual Nile inundation, which were foundational for agriculture and societal stability. Temples known as Houses of Life were established alongside temples where sacred texts were maintained under the auspices of the writing god, Thoth, and his counterpart Seshat. The written word, which preserved historical balance and order, ultimately derived from Ra’s divine authority.
Ra’s Role in the Netherworld
Ra’s journey across the heavens transitions to the underworld at night aboard a barge transformed into the Ship of a Million Souls, collecting the deceased who have been deemed justified. During this voyage through the darkness, Ra merges with Osiris, representing the unity of life and death.
The relentless serpent Apophis poses an ongoing threat, but nightly, with the support of the justified dead and the living through ritualistic encouragement, Ra and his entourage repel the serpent, ensuring the sun rises again. This cyclical triumph signifies a victory over chaos, reinforcing the belief in Ra’s eternal power.
The Book of the Dead provides another version of the soul’s journey, detailing the judgment by Osiris, symbolizing truth and balance. Here, Ra is integral to the judgment process, either as Ra-Osiris or through his invisible guidance of Osiris’s wise decisions.
Ra as Creator
While several deities are credited with the creation of the world, Ra is almost always recognized as a crucial actor in the process. According to the most prominent creation narrative, Ra emerged from a vast sea of chaos onto the primordial mound, initiating creation. His actions, such as the shedding of his blood leading to the birth of essential concepts like authority and knowledge, underscore his creative prowess.
Ra’s unique capacity enabled the birth of Shu and Tefnut, who went on to shape the world. As they created Geb (earth) and Nut (sky), the lineage of gods expanded, culminating in Osiris, Isis, Set, and Horus. Each god was bestowed with a distinct realm of influence, promoting order and ensuring that worshippers honored their divine assigns.
Ra as King and Father of the King
In ancient Egyptian culture, balance was paramount, embodied in the king’s role as a mediator between the divine and his people. The king, viewed as divinely sanctioned, was expected to uphold harmony, a concept that Userkaf, the founder of the 5th Dynasty, personified. His reign marked the ascension of Ra’s cult to a state religion status, prompting extensive temple construction and cultivation of Ra’s values.
Ra’s legacy persisted through subsequent generations, with pharaohs considering themselves “sons of Ra.” This connection established the monarch as a demi-god, maintaining governance through a divine mandate. Even as the New Kingdom transitioned to Horus for the living king and Osiris for the afterlife, Ra’s foundational influence persisted.
Conclusion
Ra, representing the vital life force as the sun, permeated every aspect of Egyptian belief. His essence influenced numerous goddesses and deities, reinforcing his role as the giver of life and the source of cosmic order. Remarkably, during Akhenaten’s reign, Ra’s worship survived amid an effort to dismantle other cults, highlighting his enduring significance.
The resurgence of traditional worship under Tutankhamun saw Ra’s influence integrated into other religious expressions, ensuring that his symbolic solar imagery continued to thrive until Christianity’s rise effectively ended the ancient practices.
