Story Summary
Discover the myth of Ra's Secret Name, where the goddess Isis uses her cunning to trick the sun god Ra into revealing his true source of divine power.
As the ages passed, Ra, the mighty sun god, grew old and his body trembled. Knowing that Ra’s power resided in his secret name, the cunning goddess Isis sought to claim it for her son, Horus. She gathered Ra’s saliva from the earth, mixed it with dust, and fashioned a venomous serpent. One morning, as Ra walked his path, the serpent bit him. The divine poison burned through his veins like fire, and Ra cried out in agony. Though all the gods gathered, none could heal him. Isis stepped forward, promising to banish the poison if Ra would only reveal his true, secret name. Ra resisted, reciting his many titles—Lord of the Heavens, Creator of Mountains—but Isis remained firm, knowing these were not his names of power. Finally, the pain became unbearable. Ra let his secret name pass from his heart into hers. Isis healed the sun god, but the secret power was now hers, establishing her dominance and securing the throne for Horus.
The Moral
Knowledge is the ultimate form of power, and even the greatest rulers are vulnerable to wit and strategy.
“Hide me, O gods, for I am bitten by a creature I did not create.”
Fun Fact
In Ancient Egypt, names were believed to have 'heka' (magical power), and knowing someone's true name gave you complete control over their soul and destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Ra's Secret Name?
The story teaches that power often lies in secrets and knowledge rather than brute force. Isis proves that intellect and preparation can overcome even the creator of the world.
Why did Isis want Ra's secret name?
She wanted to gain Ra's divine authority to ensure her son Horus would become the king of the gods. Knowing the name gave her magical control over the sun god himself.
What did the serpent represent in the story?
The serpent represents a hidden danger created from Ra's own essence. It symbolizes how a leader's own vulnerabilities can be used against them by a clever strategist.
How did Ra reveal his secret name to Isis?
As the poison's pain became unbearable, Ra allowed the secret name to pass directly from his heart to Isis's heart. This transfer was done in secret, away from the other gods' ears.
What happened to Ra after he revealed his name?
Isis used her magic to heal him from the poison as promised. However, Ra became more distant from the world of men, and Isis gained supreme power among the deities.
Is this story part of the Book of the Dead?
While related to the magical spells found in Egyptian funerary texts, this specific myth is most famously recorded in the Turin Papyrus, often used in ancient healing rituals.
