Ra

Also known as: Ra Harmachis / Ra Heru-khuti / Ra-Harmachis / Ra-Heru-Khuti / Temu · Family: Egyptian gods · Role: god · First appears: The History of Creation — B

In the History of Creation B, Apep is chained in one place while Ra inflicts the decreed blows upon him. In the Legend of the Destruction of Mankind, Ra asks Nu and the ancient gods to advise him about the people’s complaints. He arranges for beer mixed with mandrakes and blood to be poured where Sekhet has slaughtered people, and decrees that sleep-inducing beer be made for her festivals. He unites himself with Nut, then orders Shu to support and nurse her.

In the same legend, Ra appoints Thoth to act in his place and grants him authority as governor. Later, he embraces Nu. In the Legend of Ra and Isis, Isis asks him to reveal his name so she can drive poison from him. Ra agrees that his name may pass from his body into hers, then hides from the gods, leaving his throne empty. Isis tells Horus that Ra must swear to give his two eyes; through her words of power, she masters the poison and learns his name.

In the Legend of Horus of Behutet and the Winged Disk, Ra is aided by Heru-Behutet and his followers, who slay the crocodiles and hippopotami threatening him. He gives Set and the enemies over to Isis and Horus, while Thoth recites protective chapters for the boats during a storm. Ra also names the great Serpent Goddess of Heru-Behutet Ur-Uatchti and establishes the Winged Disk in every place to overthrow enemies.

In the Incantations against Reptiles and Noxious Creatures, Ra, Sekhet, Thoth and Heka protect Osiris by their magical power, and Ra orders the slaughter of the Sebau fiend. In A Hymn of Praise to Horus, Isis’s supplication stops the Disk’s journey. The hymn also names Shu and Tefnut as children of Ra, and Thoth identifies himself as his son.