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.
Light and order will always prevail over darkness and chaos so long as one possesses the courage to face the night.
Questions about this story
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.
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Good night.
