Ra (also Re) is the ancient Egyptian sun god, one of the most prominent deities in the Egyptian pantheon. The name derives from the Egyptian word rꜥ, meaning "sun" or "day." Ra was originally worshipped in Heliopolis (Lower Egypt) and by the Fifth Dynasty (25th–24th centuries BCE) had become a central figure in Egyptian religion, identified with the noon-day sun. He was believed to rule the sky, the Earth, and the underworld, and was said to have been the first pharaoh of Egypt. Ra was typically depicted as a falcon-headed man crowned with a solar disc. Etymology and Early Worship The name Ra (or Re) is attested in ancient Egyptian texts as early as the Second Dynasty, and his cult center at Heliopolis gave rise to the powerful solar theology of the eastern delta. The pyramid texts from the Old Kingdom frequently invoke Ra as a creator god and protector of the pharaoh. The god's importance is reflected in royal epithets such as "Son of Ra." During the New Kingdom, the god Amun rose to prominence and was merged with Ra as Amun-Ra. Followers of Atum and Horus also experienced syncretism with Ra, yielding composite deities like Atum-Ra and Ra-Horakhty. Mythology and Attributes According to myth, Ra traveled across the sky in a solar bark during the day and journeyed through the underworld at night, where he battled chaos serpents like Apep. Ra was associated with creation: in the Heliopolitan creation myth, Atum emerged from the primordial waters and produced Shu and Tefnut, marking the first sunrise. Ra also incorporated aspects of order (maat), kingship, and heavenly authority. The pharaohs built numerous temple complexes in his honor, most notably the sun temples of the Fifth Dynasty kings at Abusir. Notable Bearers and Depictions While Ra is not a human personal name in ancient times, his name appears in theophoric names of royalty, such as that of Pharaoh Ramesses II (Rameses meaning "Ra begot him"). The Egyptian scholar Imhotep was later deified and sometimes considered a son of Ptah, unlike other scribes who honored Re. The cult of Mnevis, a sacred bull thought to embody the sun god, was also dedicated to Ra in Heliopolis. Cultural Significance and Legacy Ra influenced neighboring civilizations: the Greek sun god Helios and the Roman Sol were often identified with Ra. In modern times, the name Ra is popularized through historical works, video games, and pop culture depictions of ancient Egypt. Re is a less common spelling variant of the name. Meaning: "Sun" or "Day" Origin: Egyptian (rꜥ) Type: Divine name Usage Regions: Ancient Egyptian religion (and revived globally as a mythological name) Related Names: Variant Re