Hathor and the Beer

In the ancient days when Ra ruled as Pharaoh of Earth, he grew weary of humanity's rebellion and secret plots against his divine throne. In a fit of divine rage, he dispatched the Eye of Ra—his daughter Hathor—to punish the insurgents. Upon reaching the desert, Hathor transformed into the terrifying lioness Sekhmet, and her slaughter was so vast that the sands turned to crimson mire. Seeing that his daughter had developed an unquenchable bloodlust that threatened to wipe out all of mankind, Ra felt a pang of regret. To save humanity, he ordered his messengers to brew seven thousand jars of beer mixed with red ochre to mimic the color of blood. They spread the beer across the fields of Dendera. When Sekhmet arrived the next morning to continue her carnage, she saw the red expanse and drank greedily, believing it to be the blood of her victims. She became so intoxicated that she could no longer hunt, eventually falling into a deep slumber. When she finally awoke, the bloodlust had vanished, and she returned to her father as the gentle, golden Hathor, the goddess of love and joy.

“The bloodlust of the lioness was quenched not by the sword, but by the brew of the fields.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Hathor and the Beer?

The story teaches that uncontrolled rage is destructive and that temperance and ingenuity are necessary to maintain the balance of the universe. It also highlights the duality of nature, showing that even the most fearsome power can be transformed into something life-giving.

Why did Ra decide to punish humanity?

Ra punished humanity because they had grown disrespectful and were plotting against him as he grew old. He felt that their rebellion against divine order required a severe lesson to restore his authority.

Are Hathor and Sekhmet the same goddess?

In Egyptian mythology, they are often seen as two aspects of the same deity. Hathor represents the gentle, nurturing side of the Eye of Ra, while Sekhmet represents its destructive, vengeful power.

What was the 'blood' that Sekhmet drank?

The 'blood' was actually 7,000 jars of barley beer that had been dyed red using mineral ochre or pomegranate juice. It was a ruse designed by Ra to trick the goddess into a peaceful stupor.

How does this myth explain the seasons?

This myth is often linked to the annual flooding of the Nile, which brings red silt from upstream. The calming of the goddess represents the transition from the destructive heat of summer to the life-giving inundation.

What was the Festival of Drunkenness?

The Festival of Drunkenness was a real historical celebration in Egypt where people would drink beer to excess. This was done to commemorate the saving of humanity and to appease the goddess so she would remain in her gentle Hathor form.