Ra is the sun god and the king of the gods. He is depicted with a sun disk on his head with a serpent wrapped around it, and he is most commonly depicted as a hawk.
Ra did not have parents; he was believed to have created himself, or suddenly appeared from the celestial waters of Nun. The Egyptians held the sun in the highest regard above all other parts of nature, and they believed that Ra traveled through the sky on a boat during the day and then went down into the underworld, or Duat, at night. Sometimes he would have other gods accompany him on his journey.
The ancient Egyptians believed that Ra ruled as the first pharaoh until he became old and rebellions began to brew, chiefly led by the rival goddess Isis. Isis tricked Ra into telling him his secret name, a name so powerful that it would help her increase her own power to resurrect her husband Osiris. She created a poisonous snake which bit Ra, and she refused to help him until he told her his secret name. He did, and she gained Ra’s power.
Ra had affairs with different goddesses, but many of his children are thought to have come from his own powers of creation, rather than through a physical union with anyone else. The most well-known of Ra’s children are Bastet, Ma’at, Hathor, and Sekhmet. The Egyptians also believed that Ra merged with other gods, including Amun, who was originally the god of Thebes, and Atum, another creator-god. Through Amun, Ra also issued Shu and Tefnut, who at first wandered away from him. Ra created his Eye to find them, and when they returned, he cried with joy and his tears created mankind.
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Try it for Free!Sun God Ra
Parents
None
Power / Domain
Sun
Symbols / Attributes
- sun disk
- serpent
- hawk head
Notable Myths
- Birth as an Obelisk
- Creation of Man Through Tears
- Isis’ Trick
How Tos about Ra: Egyptian God
Engage students with an interactive Ra facts scavenger hunt
Kick off your lesson by splitting students into small groups and giving each group a list of facts about Ra. Ask them to search your classroom encyclopedia and online resources to find each fact. This builds teamwork and reinforces learning in a fun way!
Create a classroom display about Ra’s role in ancient Egypt
Assign each student to research a different aspect of Ra—such as myths, symbols, or daily rituals. Let students make posters or models to showcase their findings on a classroom bulletin board. This visual project helps students connect ideas and encourages creative expression.
Integrate Ra-themed vocabulary into language arts lessons
Select key terms related to Ra (like 'sun god,' 'myth,' or 'hieroglyphic') and use them for spelling, writing prompts, or vocabulary games. This approach boosts comprehension and helps students apply new words across subjects.
Facilitate a short classroom debate on Ra’s importance
Organize a friendly debate where students discuss whether Ra or another ancient Egyptian deity was more influential. This activity sharpens critical thinking and encourages respectful discussion of historical perspectives.
Connect Ra’s story to modern science by exploring solar energy
Introduce a science mini-lesson on solar power, linking the ancient concept of Ra as the sun god to today’s use of solar energy. This cross-curricular approach makes history relevant and shows students the lasting impact of ancient beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ra: Egyptian God
What is radium and why is it important in science?
Radium is a radioactive chemical element discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. It is important in science due to its use in early cancer treatments and its historical role in understanding radioactivity.
How was radium discovered and who found it?
Radium was discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie while they were studying uranium ores. Their research led to breakthroughs in radioactivity.
What are some common uses of radium in history and medicine?
Historically, radium was used to treat cancer and to make luminous paints for clocks and instruments. Today, safer alternatives are used because of radium's health risks.
Is radium dangerous for humans, and what are the safety concerns?
Radium is highly radioactive and can be dangerous. Exposure can cause serious health problems, including radiation sickness and cancer, so strict safety measures are needed.
What makes radium different from other radioactive elements?
Radium is unique because it glows in the dark and was one of the first radioactive elements studied. Unlike other elements, it was widely used before its dangers were fully understood.
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