When the sun god Ra grew old, mankind began to plot against him. Infuriated by their insolence, Ra dispatched his Eye, the goddess Hathor, to punish the rebels. Upon reaching earth, Hathor transformed into the terrifying lioness Sekhmet. Her fury was so immense that she began a slaughter that turned the Nile red. Realizing that Sekhmet’s bloodlust would soon leave him with no subjects to rule, Ra grew fearful and sought a way to stop her. He ordered his priests to brew seven thousand jars of beer and mix it with red ochre until it resembled blood. They flooded the fields with the liquid under the cover of night. At dawn, Sekhmet returned to finish her kill. Seeing the red fields, she drank deeply, believing it to be the blood of her enemies. Intoxicated and weary, she fell into a deep sleep, her rage finally extinguished. When she awoke, her bloodlust had vanished, and humanity was spared from total destruction.
Destructive rage must be balanced with wisdom and moderation, for unchecked anger can destroy the innocent alongside the guilty.
Questions about this story
Why did Ra send Sekhmet to earth?
Ra sent Sekhmet to Earth as a divine punishment for humanity because they had become rebellious and stopped showing him the respect he deserved as he aged.
How did the Egyptians stop Sekhmet?
The gods tricked her by dyeing seven thousand jars of beer red with ochre; Sekhmet drank the liquid thinking it was blood and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
What is Sekhmet the goddess of?
Sekhmet is the ancient Egyptian goddess of war, fire, and destruction, known for her fierce protective nature and her role as the 'Eye of Ra'.
Was Sekhmet considered good or evil?
She was not considered evil, but rather a force of righteous fury and justice. While she was terrifying in her anger, she was also revered as a powerful healer and protector.
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Good night.
