Origin and Meaning of Ra

Sun

Origin: Ancient Egyptian - Ra is derived from the Ancient Egyptian word for the sun and is associated with the solar deity Ra, who was considered one of the most important gods in ancient Egyptian mythology.

• Ra was depicted as a falcon-headed man and was often shown with a solar disk above his head, symbolizing his dominion over the sun.
• In addition to being a major deity in Ancient Egypt, Ra was often combined with other gods to form deities such as Ra-Horakhty, merging his aspects with Horus.
• Ra is a prominent figure in ancient texts, including the Pyramid Texts, where he is revered for his role in creation and the daily journey across the sky.
• The worship of Ra peaked during the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE) when he became central to the religion of ancient Egypt, influencing various cultural practices.
• The name Ra is used in various modern contexts such as literature, film, and gaming, often symbolizing light or divinity.