Egyptian MythologyGods and Goddesses

The Eye of Ra

Ra unleashes a goddess to punish mankind, then uses a clever ruse to save the world from her fury.

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Illustration for The Eye of Ra - a gods and goddesses Egyptian Mythology story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the myth of The Eye of Ra. When the sun god's daughter Sekhmet threatens to destroy humanity, Ra must use a clever trick to stop her divine rampage.

As Ra, the sun god, grew old, the people of Earth began to plot against him, thinking his power had faded. Infuriated by their insolence, Ra summoned his Eye, the goddess Hathor, and transformed her into the fierce lioness Sekhmet. He sent her to punish the rebels, but her bloodlust proved too great; she began to slaughter all of humanity without mercy. Realizing that soon no one would be left to worship the gods, Ra devised a plan to stop her. He ordered 7,000 jars of beer to be dyed red with pomegranate juice and spread across the fields of Egypt. Mistaking the brew for blood, Sekhmet lapped it up until she fell into a deep, drunken stupor. When she awoke, her rage had vanished, and she transformed back into the gentle Hathor, sparing the survivors and restoring balance to the world.

The Moral

Unchecked rage can lead to total destruction, requiring wisdom and cleverness to restore harmony and balance.

“The heat of the sun gives life, but the heat of its anger can consume the world.”

Fun Fact

The ancient Egyptians celebrated an annual 'Feast of Drunkenness' where they consumed large amounts of beer to commemorate the day Ra saved humanity from Sekhmet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Eye of Ra?

The story teaches that while justice may be necessary, uncontrolled anger is a destructive force that must be tempered by wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of balance between destruction and creation.

Who is the Eye of Ra?

The Eye of Ra is a feminine extension of the sun god's power, often personified as a goddess like Sekhmet or Hathor. She acts as his protector and the instrument of his divine will.

Why did Ra want to destroy humanity?

Ra sought to punish humans because they had grown disrespectful and were plotting against him as he grew old. He felt they no longer honored the divine order he established.

How did Ra stop Sekhmet's rampage?

Ra flooded the fields with beer dyed red to look like blood. Sekhmet drank the mixture, became intoxicated, and fell asleep, which allowed her to transform back into a peaceful form.

What is the difference between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus?

The Eye of Ra represents the destructive and protective power of the sun, whereas the Eye of Horus is a symbol of healing, restoration, and sacrifice.

Why is Sekhmet depicted as a lioness?

The lioness was the most feared predator in ancient Egypt. Depicting Sekhmet as a lioness emphasized her role as a fierce warrior and her capacity for unstoppable destruction.