Story Summary
Discover the ancient Egyptian myth of The Creation of Mankind, where humanity is born from the divine tears of the Eye of Ra falling upon the fertile earth.
In the beginning, the sun god Ra ruled over the primordial waters. Seeking his children, Shu and Tefnut, who had wandered into the dark abyss of Nun, Ra sent his divine Eye to find them. After a long search, the Eye returned with the children, only to find that Ra had grown a new eye in its place. Overwhelmed by a sense of displacement and deep emotion, the Eye began to weep. As the divine tears fell upon the fertile earth of the Nile Valley, they transformed. From the sorrow and joy of a god’s eye, the first human beings were shaped, springing forth from the ground to populate the world under the light of the sun. Thus, mankind was born from the very essence of the divine, forever tied to the emotions of the gods.
The Moral
Human life is a sacred expression of divine emotion, suggesting that our existence is inextricably linked to both joy and sorrow.
“From the divine tears of the sun, the first of mankind arose to walk beneath the heavens.”
Fun Fact
In many Egyptian texts, the word for 'men' (rmṯ) sounds very similar to the word for 'tears' (rmyt), creating a linguistic pun that reinforces this creation myth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Creation of Mankind?
The story emphasizes the emotional connection between the creator and the created. It teaches that humans are divine in origin, born from the very essence of a god's feelings.
Who is the Eye of Ra in this myth?
The Eye is often personified as a goddess like Hathor or Sekhmet. She represents Ra's power and serves as his messenger and protector throughout Egyptian lore.
How were humans created in Egyptian mythology?
In this specific myth, humans were formed from the tears shed by the Eye of Ra. Another popular myth describes the god Khnum fashioning humans out of clay on a potter's wheel.
Why did the Eye of Ra weep?
The Eye wept because it felt replaced when it returned to find Ra had grown a new eye. These tears of jealousy and sorrow became the seeds of humanity.
What does the Nile signify in this creation story?
The Nile represents the fertile ground that received the divine tears. It symbolizes the life-giving force necessary for the first humans to survive and thrive.
Who are Shu and Tefnut?
Shu is the god of air and Tefnut is the goddess of moisture. They were the first children of Ra, and their temporary loss prompted the journey of the Eye.
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