Sekhmet, in Egyptian mythology, is a complex goddess with a dual nature. While she is primarily associated with destruction, war, and chaos, she also plays a role in protecting Ra, the sun god, in a rather unique way.

Sekhmet and the Eye of Ra

Sekhmet’s protective aspect is intertwined with her role as the Eye of Ra. According to Egyptian mythology, Ra, as the sun god, had an all-seeing eye, which was sometimes personified as an independent goddess, the Eye of Ra. This eye had both a benevolent and a destructive aspect. Sekhmet represented the destructive aspect, while Hathor often symbolized the benevolent, nurturing aspect of the same eye.

The story goes that Ra sent the Eye (Sekhmet) to punish humanity for their disobedience. Sekhmet went on a rampage, causing chaos and destruction, and it seemed like nothing could stop her. To prevent her from annihilating all of humanity, Ra intervened. He had beer dyed red to resemble blood and spread it across the land. Mistaking it for blood, Sekhmet consumed the beer and became intoxicated. In her intoxicated state, she transformed from a fierce and destructive force into a more peaceful and nurturing deity, Hathor.

So, in a paradoxical way, Sekhmet’s protection of Ra came through her role as the destructive aspect of the Eye of Ra. By sending her to punish humanity, Ra was able to protect his dominion and restore order by eventually calming her down. It’s important to note that while Sekhmet’s actions may seem aggressive, in Egyptian cosmology, maintaining cosmic balance often required both destructive and protective forces working in harmony.

READ MORE: Reasons why the Eye of Ra went on a killing spree

Sekhmet Myths

Questions and Answers

Sekhmet is a multifaceted goddess in Egyptian mythology, and her dual nature exemplifies the complexity of ancient Egyptian beliefs.

Here are some popular questions and answers to explain Sekhmet’s role and how it relates to her protection of Ra:

What is Sekhmet’s Dual Nature?

Sekhmet is predominantly associated with destructive qualities, embodying characteristics related to destruction, war, and chaos. She is often depicted as a lioness-headed goddess or as a lioness. Her name, which means “the Powerful One,” reflects her formidable and fierce nature. This aspect of Sekhmet represents the destructive force of the sun, particularly its scorching heat and its potential to bring harm and devastation.

Why is Sekhmet seen as the Eye of Ra?

In Egyptian mythology, Ra, the sun god and a symbol of cosmic order and life, was believed to have an all-seeing eye, which could be personified as an independent goddess known as the Eye of Ra. This Eye had both benevolent and destructive aspects, reflecting the dual nature of the sun itself.

What are the destructive aspect of Sekhmet?

Sekhmet embodied the destructive facet of the Eye of Ra. She was sometimes dispatched by Ra to punish those who had disobeyed him or disrupted the cosmic order. In this role, she became the instrument of Ra’s divine retribution and justice. Her fiery wrath and ferocity were unleashed upon those who challenged Ra’s authority or the balance of the universe.

How was Sekhmet stopped from wiping out the human race?

The tale involving Sekhmet’s protection of Ra unfolds when she was sent by Ra to punish humanity for their defiance. Her rampage threatened to annihilate all of humanity, and it seemed impossible to halt her destructive course. To prevent this catastrophe, Ra devised a clever plan. He ordered beer to be dyed red to resemble blood and spread it across the land. Mistaking the beer for blood, Sekhmet consumed it in large quantities and became intoxicated.

How does Sekhmet transform into Hathor?

As Sekhmet became increasingly intoxicated, her fierce and destructive nature was tempered. She transformed into the more peaceful and nurturing goddess Hathor, who is associated with music, dance, love, and joy. Hathor represented the benevolent aspect of the Eye of Ra, in stark contrast to Sekhmet’s destructive tendencies.

What protection does Sekhmet offer to Ra?

In this myth, Sekhmet’s protection of Ra was indirect but crucial. Her initial destructive rampage was intended to restore order and punish wrongdoers, but Ra’s intervention, in the form of the beer trick, turned her destructive force into a more soothing and harmonious one. This transformation preserved not only Ra’s dominion but also the balance of the cosmos.