Story Summary
Discover the ancient Egyptian creation myth The Tears of Ra, where the sun god’s tears of joy at the return of his children Shu and Tefnut create first humans.
In the beginning, before the world took its current form, the sun god Ra ruled over the primordial waters of Nun. Ra sent his divine Eye to search the vast, dark chaos for his lost children, Shu and Tefnut. For a long time, the god waited in solitude, fearing they were gone forever. When the Eye finally returned, guiding Shu and Tefnut back to their father, Ra was overcome with a profound and overwhelming emotion. As he embraced his children, great tears of joy fell from his eyes and onto the fertile, primeval earth. Where these golden droplets touched the soil, they transformed, taking shape and breath. From the divine sorrow and joy of the sun god, the first human beings were born, springing forth from the mud to populate the world under the light of their creator.
The Moral
Humanity is born from divine emotion, suggesting that our existence is rooted in the deep connection and love of the creator.
“From the golden tears of the sun, the first of mankind arose from the dust.”
Fun Fact
In ancient Egyptian, the words for 'tears' and 'men' (remut and romet) sounded very similar, which likely inspired this linguistic connection in the creation myth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Tears of Ra?
The story suggests that humans are a product of divine emotion and love. It emphasizes the sacred link between the gods and the mankind they created through their own essence.
How were humans created according to this myth?
In this Egyptian creation myth, humans were formed from the tears of the sun god Ra. As his tears hit the earth, they transformed into living people.
Who are Shu and Tefnut in Egyptian mythology?
Shu is the god of air and Tefnut is the goddess of moisture. They are the first children of Ra, representing the first elements of the physical world.
Why was the Eye of Ra sent away?
Ra sent his Eye, often personified as a goddess, to find his children who had wandered into the dark chaos of the primordial waters of Nun.
What does Ra symbolize in Egyptian culture?
Ra is the primary sun god, symbolizing light, warmth, growth, and the cycle of creation and rebirth that governed Egyptian life.
Is there more than one Egyptian creation myth?
Yes, ancient Egypt had several creation myths depending on the city, including those centered on the gods Atum, Ptah, or the Ogdoad of Hermopolis.
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