Egyptian MythologyGods and Goddesses

Sekhmet's Rampage

Ra sends the lioness Sekhmet to punish humanity, then saves them with a river of red-dyed beer.

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Illustration for Sekhmet's Rampage - a gods and goddesses Egyptian Mythology story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the myth of Sekhmet's Rampage, where the sun god Ra must use a clever trick to stop the fierce lioness goddess from destroying all of humanity.

As the sun god Ra grew old, the humans of Earth began to lose their respect for his divine laws and plotted against him. To restore order, Ra sent his daughter, the Eye of Ra, to punish the rebels. She descended upon the world as the fierce lioness goddess Sekhmet. Her fury was unmatched, and she began a slaughter so great that the Nile ran red with blood. However, Sekhmet’s bloodlust became uncontrollable, and Ra soon realized she would not stop until all of humanity was extinct. To save the survivors, Ra devised a clever ruse. He ordered his servants to brew seven thousand jars of beer and dye them red with pomegranate juice to resemble blood. They spread the liquid across the fields where Sekhmet intended to hunt next. Finding the 'blood,' the goddess drank greedily until she became heavily intoxicated and fell into a deep sleep. When she finally awoke, her rage had vanished, and she transformed back into the gentle Hathor, sparing the human race.

The Moral

Unchecked anger can quickly become a destructive force that harms the innocent; wisdom and temperance are required to balance power.

“The Eye of Ra returned as a lioness, and the sands turned red with the fury of the sun.”

Fun Fact

To honor this myth, ancient Egyptians held a 'Festival of Drunkenness' where they consumed large amounts of pomegranate-dyed beer to appease the goddess and ensure peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Sekhmet's Rampage?

The story teaches that unchecked rage can become destructive and that wisdom and temperance are necessary to balance power. It illustrates how even divine justice must have limits to preserve life.

Why did Ra decide to punish humanity?

Ra grew old and noticed that humans were no longer following his laws and were plotting against him. He sent his Eye to restore order and punish those who had turned away from the divine.

How was Sekhmet finally stopped?

Ra realized Sekhmet would destroy everyone, so he ordered thousands of jars of beer to be dyed red with pomegranate juice. Sekhmet, thinking it was blood, drank until she fell into a deep sleep.

What is the relationship between Sekhmet and Hathor?

In many versions of the myth, Sekhmet and Hathor are two sides of the same deity. Hathor represents love and beauty, while Sekhmet represents the destructive, fiery heat of the sun.

What does Sekhmet symbolize in Egyptian culture?

Sekhmet symbolizes both destruction and protection. While she was the 'Lady of Terror' in battle, she was also a goddess of healing who could ward off disease and protect the Pharaoh.

What happened after Sekhmet woke up from her sleep?

When Sekhmet woke up, her bloodlust had vanished, replaced by the intoxication of the beer. She returned to Ra as the gentle Hathor, and humanity was spared from total extinction.