How The World and Mankind Were Created

In the beginning there was Chaos, a yawning nothingness. Out of the void emerged Gaia (the
Earth) and other divine beings — Eros (love), the Abyss (part of the underworld), and the
Erebus (the unknowable place where death dwells). Without male assistance, Gaia gave birth
to Uranus (the Sky), who then fertilized her.
From that union the first Titans were born — six males: Coeus, Crius, Cronus, Hyperion,
Iapetus, and Oceanus, and six females: Mnemosyne, Phoebe, Rhea, Theia, Themis, and
Tethys. After Cronus (time) was born, Gaia and Uranus decreed no more Titans were to be
born.
Cronus castrated his father and threw the severed genitals into the sea, from which arose
Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty and sexuality. Cronus became the ruler of the gods with
his sister-wife, Rhea, as his consort. The other Titans became his court. Because Cronus had
betrayed his father, he feared that his offspring would do the same. So, each time Rhea gave
birth, Cronus snatched up the child and ate it. Rhea hated this and tricked him by hiding one
child, Zeus, and wrapping a stone in a baby’s blanket so that Cronus ate the stone instead of
the baby.
When Zeus was grown, he fed his father a drugged drink, which caused Cronus to vomit,
throwing up Rhea’s other children and the stone. Zeus then challenged Cronus to war for the
kingship of the gods. At last Zeus and his siblings, the Olympians, were victorious, and the
Titans were hurled down to imprisonment in the Abyss.
Zeus was plagued by the same concern as his father had been and, after a prophecy that his
first wife, Metis, would give birth to a god greater than he, he swallowed Metis. But she was
already pregnant with Athena, and they both made him miserable until Athena, the goddess of
wisdom, civilization and justice, burst from his head — fully grown and dressed for war.
Zeus was able to fight off all challenges to his power and to remain the ruler of Mt. Olympus,
the home of the gods.
One son of Titans, Prometheus, did not fight with fellow Titans against Zeus and was spared
imprisonment; he was given the task of creating man. Prometheus shaped man out of mud,
and Athena breathed life into the clay figure. Prometheus made man stand upright as the gods
did and gave him fire. Prometheus tricked Zeus, and to punish him, Zeus created Pandora, the
first woman, of stunning beauty, wealth, and a deceptive heart and lying tongue. He also gave
Pandora a box she was commanded never to open, but eventually her curiosity got the best of
her, and she opened the box to release all kinds of evil, plagues, sorrows, and misfortunes,
and also hope, which lay at the bottom of the box.
MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE
Mythology is the study of myths in general and the study of myths particular to a culture. A
myth refers to a story that is supposed to have occurred at an unspecified time in the past.
Myths often involve gods and goddesses, and they exist to explain particular natural
phenomena or traditionally held beliefs.
Folklore is the body of expressive culture shared by a particular group of people, culture or
subculture. This includes oral traditions such as tales, myths, legends, proverbs, poems, jokes,
and other oral traditions.
TYPES OF MYTHS
PURE MYTH OR TRUE MYTH OR MYTH PROPER
Myths of this kind tend to be examples of primitive science or religion. They explain natural
phenomena or the origin of things, and they describe how individuals should behave toward
the gods.
SAGA OR LEGEND
Myths of this variety tend to be examples of primitive history; they contain a germ or seed of
historical fact and enlarge upon it with great flourish. A good example of a saga or legend in
the story of the war at Troy
FOLK-TALE OR FAIRY-TALE
Myths of this species tend to be examples of primitive fiction. Tales of this sort are told for
pleasure and amusement. Frequently the stories contain supernatural characters such as
ghosts, elves, dwarfs, or demons, and they often include elements of magic, e.g., spells,
potions, and objects.

SOURCES OF MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE

Aesop's Fables
-a collection of fables under the name of Aesop over 2,000 years ago in Greece. According to
Herodotus, Aesop lived in the mid-sixth century and was a slave and that he was killed by the
people of Delphi, perhaps for seditious or sacrilegious beliefs.

A Thousand and One Nights

(also known as The Arabian Nights): a collection of stories and fables from Arabia, Egypt,
India, and Persia that were compiled from oral tales that had been generations. Some of the
well-known characters include passed down own through these cultures for generation;
Aladdin, Ali Baba, and Sinbad the Sailor, Jinn are common figures in these stories.
The Great Epics of the World
Myths and legends are usually sourced from the existing epics of the different cultures of the
world.
The Iliad and The Odyssey of the Greeks, The Aeneid of the Romans, The Mahabharata and
Ramayana of India, Beouwolf of England, The Song of Roland of France, El Cid of Spain,
Sha Namah of Persia, Gilgamesh of the Babylonians, etc.

The Panchatantra
-a collection of fables which was used to educate Indian princes into becoming wise kings. It
is supposed that Aesop’s Fables largely owed much from the Panchatantra.
The Poems of Hesiod:
Theogony and Works and Days. Hesiod is an early Greek poet who probably flourished
around 700 B.C. Much of Greek mythology came from his two complete works.

GOD AND GODDESSES

ZEUS
With the assistance of Hades and Poseidon, Zeus overthrew his father, Cronus, king of the
Titans, and became the chief deity in a new pantheon comprising mostly his siblings and
children. In addition to controlling the weather, Zeus was noted for his chronic infidelity to
his sister-wife, Hera. Among the results of his weakness for comely mortal women was Helen
of Troy. His Roman equivalent was Jupiter.

POSEIDON
Poseidon is best known as the Greek sea god, but he was also the god of horses and of
earthquakes. (Thus, many of his temples were inland.) And he had some seriously strange
children. Though humanoid, he fathered both the winged horse Pegasus (by Medusa, no less)
and the Cyclops Polyphemus, who is blinded by Odysseus and his crew in the Odyssey. His
Roman equivalent was Neptune.

HERMES
Like many gods in the Greek pantheon, Hermes presided over multiple spheres. He was a
pastoral figure, responsible for protecting livestock, and was also associated with fertility,
music, luck, and deception. In the Odyssey, he is depicted as a messenger god. His Roman
equivalent was Mercury.

HERA
The queen goddess of Olympus, Hera was both sister and wife to Zeus. Though she is often
depicted as reserved and austere, she was mercilessly vindictive when it came to her
husband’s [many] extramarital adventures. Unfortunately for the objects of Zeus’s godly
affections, Hera tended to torment the "other women" (and their offspring, including
Heracles) rather than Zeus himself. Her Roman equivalent was Juno.

HADES
Hades ruled the world of the dead, with which he was sometimes synonymous. The chilly
lord of the underworld was among the few Greek gods to come across as dispassionate. He
was not the ultimate judge of the souls that wandered his domain nor did he mete out their
punishments for sins committed during their mortal lives. He was, however, cunning; he
tricked Persephone into eating enchanted pomegranate seeds so that she would have to
remain with him for a portion of the year.

DIONYSUS
Dionysus was a son of Zeus born to a mortal mother. When Zeus accidentally killed her, he
sewed the young Dionysus into his thigh and, when the young god emerged, passed him to
the care of the maenads. The cult of Dionysus revolved around intoxication, sex, and savage
ritual sacrifice. He was often symbolized by a bull due to his association with the sacrificial
animal. Elements of his character are seen in the Roman god of wine, Bacchus.

DEMETER
Demeter, an agricultural goddess, was mother to Persephone, who was abducted by the
underworld god Hades to be his bride. While searching for her stolen daughter, she accepted
the hospitality of the royal family of Eleusis. The Eleusinian Mysteries, perhaps the most
important religious rites in ancient Greece, are attributed to her teachings. Her Roman
equivalent was Ceres.

APOLLO
The twin brother of Artemis, Apollo was among the most important (read: feared) of the
gods. Son of Zeus, he disseminated the will of his divine compatriots through various means,
notably oracles. The Oracle at Delphi was his mouthpiece; a 2001 study determined that the
oracle was likely hallucinating due to ethylene gas rising from the rocks beneath the temple.
ARES
Ares was the god of bloodlust. (His half-sister Athena represented the more "noble" aspects
of combat and civil conduct during war.) Though his fellow deities weren’t particularly fond
of him, the Spartans had no problems, er, donating some prisoners of war to his worship. And
sacrificing dogs…yeah, that’s right, Ares liked dead puppies. Jerk. His Roman equivalent
was Mars.

ARTEMIS
Artemis was the fleet-footed goddess of the hunt. Often depicted in painting and sculpture
with a deer or a hunting dog, she was both huntress and protectress of the living world. Her
Roman equivalent was Diana.

ATHENA
Athena was the goddess of reason, wisdom, and war. She famously sprung fully formed from
the forehead of Zeus. A major figure in the Odyssey, in which she instructed Odysseus, she
also guided Perseus and Heracles through their trials. Her Roman equivalent was Minerva.

APHRODITE
Aphrodite was the goddess of love, sex, and beauty. Unsurprisingly for a love goddess, she
was said to have emerged from the foam generated when the severed testicles of her father,
Uranus, were thrown into the sea by his son, the Titan Cronus.
WHAT IS WORLD MYTHOLOGY?
World Mythology is the global term for all of the myths found throughout history
across the entire world. These stories take place across all cultures and time
periods, and are usually deeply meaningful to the culture they come from.

GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Greek mythology is filled with fascinating stories and characters. It centers around
the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and
Aphrodite, and their interactions with mortals. These myths often revolve around
themes of love, war, and betrayal. One of the most well-known Greek myths is the
story of the Trojan War. It tells the tale of the beautiful Helen, who was abducted
by the Trojan prince Paris, leading to a war between the city of Troy and the
Greeks. The war ended when the Greeks used the Trojan Horse to trick the Trojans
and conquer their city.

Another important figure in Greek mythology is the hero Hercules, who was the son
of Zeus and a mortal woman. He is famous for his incredible strength and for
completing the Twelve Labors, a series of difficult tasks assigned to him by the
gods.

The Greek myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

Some related mythologies include:

 Roman Mythology
 Etruscan Mythology

NORSE MYTHOLOGY

Norse mythology is filled with thrilling stories and epic heroes. It centers around
the gods and goddesses of ancient Scandinavia, such as Odin, Thor, and Freya,
and their interactions with mortals and other beings. These myths often revolve
around themes of fate, war, and the end of the world.

One of the most well-known Norse myths is the story of Ragnarok, the final battle
between the gods and their enemies. It is said that in the end, the world will be
destroyed and reborn, with only a few survivors left to start a new world.

Another important figure in Norse mythology is the god Thor, who is known for his
strength and his weapon, the mighty hammer Mjolnir. He is often depicted as a
fierce warrior who fights against giants and other monsters to protect the people of
Midgard, the mortal world.

The Norse myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

Some related mythologies include:

 Finnic Mythology
  Germanic Mythology
EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY

Egyptian mythology is filled with fascinating stories and powerful gods. It centers
around the deities of ancient Egypt, such as Ra, Isis, and Anubis, and their
interactions with the pharaohs and the people of Egypt. These myths often revolve
around themes of death, the afterlife, and the relationship between Order and
Chaos.

One of the most well-known Egyptian myths is the story of the god Osiris, who was
murdered by his brother Set but was brought back to life by his wife Isis. Osiris
then became the god of the underworld and the afterlife, where he judged the souls
of the dead.

Another important figure in Egyptian mythology is the sun god Ra, who was the
most powerful deity in the pantheon. He was said to travel across the sky in a boat
during the day and through the underworld at night.

The Egyptian myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

Some related mythologies include:

 Berber Mythology
 Dedun (Nubian) Mythology

CELTIC MYTHOLOGY

Celtic Mythology Hub Landscape

Celtic mythology is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods, heroes, and
monsters. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient Celtic people,
who lived in what is now Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other parts of Europe.
These myths often revolve around themes of magic, nature, and the cycle of life.

One of the most well-known Celtic myths is the story of the hero Cú Chulainn, who
was the greatest warrior of Ulster. He was known for his incredible strength and
courage, and for his weapon, the Gae Bolg, which could strike its enemies from a
distance.
Another important figure in Celtic mythology is the god Lugh, who was the god of
the sun, the sky, and the arts. He was said to be a skilled warrior, a master
craftsman, and a powerful magician.

Celtic mythology is still important today because of the role it plays in modern day
neopaganism, which includes people who practice Gaelic reconstructionism and
Gaelic revivalism as well as Wiccans or witches.

There are even Celtic festivals that take place every year to celebrate these myths!
MESOPOTAMIAN MYTHOLOGY

Mesopotamian mythology, which dates back many millennia, is still relevant today.
Mesopotamia was the place where civilization began and it’s one of the oldest
civilizations in history, so their myths are very old too! The term “Mesopotamian
Mythology” refers to all myths from Sumer, Akkad, Assyria & Babylonia who were
part of modern day Iraq.
One of the most well-known Mesopotamian myths is the story of the god Marduk,
who rose to power and became the king of the gods. He was said to have created
the world and to have defeated the monstrous sea-dragon Tiamat, who threatened
to destroy all of creation.

Another important figure in Mesopotamian mythology is the god Enlil, who was the
god of the air and the storms. He was said to be the most powerful of the gods, and
to have the ability to control the fates of mortals.

The Epic of Gilgamesh is also important in Babylonian mythology, comprising the

world’s first superhero story.

Mesopotamian Mythology has been passed down through time because it

influenced many cultures including Christians & Jews with tales such as the
creation myth from Genesis as well as the flood myths.

AFRICAN MYTHOLOGY

African mythology is filled with rich and diverse stories of gods, spirits, and heroes.
It centers around the myths and legends of the many different African cultures,
each with its own unique beliefs and traditions. These myths often revolve around
themes of nature, the ancestors, and the power of the spirit world.

One of the most well-known African myths is the story of the trickster god Anansi,
who is a spider in many West African traditions. He is known for his cunning and
his ability to outsmart other animals and even the gods.

Another important figure in African mythology is the god Ogun, who is the god of
iron and war in many West African traditions. He is said to be a fierce warrior and
a skilled blacksmith, and to be able to control the forces of nature.

African mythology is very old and it still influences the cultures that exist today. It
also had a major impact on many religions, which is why it’s important to be aware
of these beliefs so you can understand them.

HINDU MYTHOLOGY

Hindu mythology is filled with complex and fascinating stories of gods, demons,
and heroes. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient Hindu religion,
which originated in India and is still practiced by millions of people today. These
myths often revolve around themes of karma, reincarnation, and the ultimate goal
of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

One of the most well-known Hindu myths is the story of the god Krishna, who is
considered to be an avatar (or incarnation) of the supreme god Vishnu. He is
known for his wisdom, his courage, and his love for the mortal woman Radha.
Another important figure in Hindu mythology is the goddess Durga, who is a
warrior goddess who protects the world from evil. She is said to be the mother of
the universe and to have the power to defeat even the most powerful demons.

The Hindu myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY

Slavic mythology is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods, goddesses, and
mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient Slavic
people, who lived in what is now Russia, Poland, and other parts of Eastern
Europe. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the cycle of the
seasons, and the battle between good and evil.

One of the most well-known Slavic myths is the story of the god Perun, who was
the god of thunder and the sky. He was said to wield a powerful thunderbolt and to
be the protector of the Slavic people.

Another important figure in Slavic mythology is the creature Baba Yaga, who is a
witch-like figure who lives in the forest. She is known for her magic powers and her
ability to help or hinder those who seek her out. The Slavic myths continue to
inspire and captivate people to this day through literature, art, and popular
culture.

CHINESE MYTHOLOGY

Chinese mythology is filled with ancient and fascinating stories of gods, goddesses,
and mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient
Chinese civilization, which has a rich and complex history spanning thousands of
years. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the cycle of the seasons,
and the harmony between humans and the universe.

One of the most well-known Chinese myths is the story of the god Nüwa, who was
the goddess of creation. She is said to have created the world and to have shaped
the first humans from clay.

Another important figure in Chinese mythology is the god Fu Xi, who is the god of
wisdom and culture. He is said to have invented writing, music, and the arts, and
to have taught the people how to live in harmony with each other.

The Chinese myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY
Japanese mythology is filled with beautiful and fascinating stories of gods,
goddesses, and mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the
ancient Japanese civilization, which has a rich and complex history spanning
thousands of years. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the cycle
of the seasons, and the relationship between humans and the divine.

One of the most well-known Japanese myths is the story of the sun goddess
Amaterasu, who is the most powerful of the gods. She is said to have created the
world and to have brought light and warmth to the earth.

Another important figure in Japanese mythology is the god Tsukuyomi, who is the
god of the moon and the night.

The Japanese myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

Some related mythologies include: Korean Mythology

POLYNESIAN MYTHOLOGY

Polynesian mythology is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods, goddesses,
and mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the ancient
Polynesian people, who lived in what is now Hawaii, New Zealand, and other parts
of the Pacific Ocean. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the sea,
and the spiritual power of the ancestors.

One of the most well-known Polynesian myths is the story of the god Maui, who
was a powerful demigod who performed many great feats. He is said to have created
the islands of the Pacific and to have helped the people in their daily lives.

Another important figure in Polynesian mythology is the goddess Pele, who is the
goddess of fire, lightning, and volcanoes. She is said to have the power to create
new land and to control the forces of nature.

The Polynesian myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day through
literature, art, and popular culture.

NATIVE AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY

Native American mythology (meaning the mythology of the North American

aboriginals) is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods, goddesses, and
mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the indigenous
peoples of North and South America, who have a rich and diverse history stretching
back thousands of years. These myths often revolve around themes of nature, the
spiritual world, and the connection between humans and the natural world.

One of the most well-known Native American myths is the story of the trickster
Coyote, who is a clever and mischievous figure who often gets himself into trouble.
He is said to have the power to shape-shift and to be a source of wisdom and
humor.
Another important figure in Native American mythology is the god Great Spirit, who
is the supreme creator and ruler of the universe. He is said to be the source of all
life and to be the guardian of the natural world.

The Native American myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.

MESOAMERICAN MYTHOLOGY

Mesoamerican mythology is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods,

goddesses, and mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the
ancient Mesoamerican peoples, who lived in what is now Mexico and Central
America. These myths often revolve around themes of creation, the natural world,
and the cycles of time.

The Popol Vuh narrates the Maya creation account and the tales of the Hero Twins.
In the story, the Creators create humans out of corn and the Hero Twins defeat the
Death Lords in a ball game and become the Sun and the Moon.

Another important figure in Mesoamerican mythology is the god Quetzalcoatl, who

is the god of wind, rain, and the sky. He is often depicted as a feathered serpent
and is said to have the power to bring life and fertility to the earth.

The Mesoamerican myths continue to inspire and captivate people to this day
through literature, art, and popular culture.

SOUTH AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY

South American mythology is filled with rich and fascinating stories of gods,
goddesses, and mythical creatures. It centers around the myths and legends of the
ancient South American peoples, who lived in what is now Brazil, Argentina, and
other parts of South America. These myths often revolve around themes of nature,
the spiritual world, and the connection between humans and the natural world.

One of the most well-known figures in South American mythology is the god
Viracocha, who is often referred to as the creator god. He is said to have created the
universe and all the life that exists within it, as well as the sun, moon, and stars. In
some myths, Viracocha is depicted as a powerful, wise, and benevolent god who is
deeply concerned with the well-being of humanity. In others, he is depicted as a
wrathful god who punishes those who do not follow his commands.

Another important figure in South American mythology is the god Inti, who is the
god of the sun. Inti is the ancient Incan sun god and is revered as the national
patron of the Inca state. He is considered a cluster of solar aspects and is
associated with the origin and expansion of the Inca Sun Cult.

ABRAHAMIC MYTHOLOGY

In Abrahamic mythology, we have many stories that are central to the beliefs of
Christians, Jews, Muslims and more. These stories focus on the history and
teachings of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus Christ, and the teachings of
Muhammad.

The Bible tells the story of God creating the world and the first humans, Adam and
Eve. It also describes the great floods and other natural disasters, as well as the
rise and fall of great civilizations.

Important characters in Abrahamic mythology include Adam and Eve, Abraham,

Moses, David, and of course Jesus Christ.

The Bible is full of stories about conflict, both between humans and between good
and evil. It includes powerful symbols such as the Ark of the Covenant, the burning
bush, and the ten plagues of Egypt. The stories also include themes of redemption,
sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.

These stories continue to inspire and influence people around the world to this day.

ARTHURIAN LEGENDS

Lastly, we have the Arthurian Legends, which are related to Celtic mythology,
though are sometimes considered its own thing.

The Arthurian myths center around King Arthur, who is the son of Uther
Pendragon & Igraine. He eventually grows up, takes the sword from the stone, and
becomes King.

Other important characters in Arthurian myth include Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere,

Morgan le Fay, and others. While some are ficticious, many have their roots in
actual history…

The Arthurian legends are rife with conflict, heroism, and romance. It includes
memorable weapons like Excalibur, terrifying beasts like the Questing Beast,
daring quests for the Holy Grail, and so much more.

The Arthurian mythos eventually ended in tragedy, with the affair between
Guinevere and Lancelot leading to King Arthur’s final battle came from Mordred.
Almost everyone dies, including Arthur himself, but his legend lived on in countless
books and movies since.
 THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN

Ra was the most important deity of Ancient Egypt. He was the

main solar deity and according to the Heliopolitan view (on
cosmogony), was also responsible for the creation of the world.
He was hailed as a powerful ruler who protected Maat (order)
against the evil serpent of chaos known as Apophis.

He was the first king of the gods and ruled over Egypt for a
long time. He was soon forced to give up the throne
to Osiris (Isis tricked Ra into forfeiting the throne, but that’s a
story for another article).

He retreated to the heavens and focused on his role as the

main sun god and sailed across the heavens every day,
providing sunlight and warmth to those below him.

The boat he sailed on was known as “The Barque of a Million

Suns”. In the mornings it was Manzet (becoming strong) and in
the evenings it was called Mesektet (becoming weak).

This is the part which I find particularly interesting. As he goes

through the day, he undergoes 3 transformations-:

1. In the mornings, he is Khepri- the newly-born sun of dawn.

Khepri was represented as a scarab beetle
2. In the afternoons, he becomes Ra- the powerful young man
with a falcon head that we all know.
3. By evening, he transforms into Atum- an old man with a
cane.

During the day, he travels through 12 kingdoms of different

solar
deities- Maat, Hu, Sia, Asbet, Igaret, Set, Horus, Khonsu, Isi
s, and Heka.

As he nears the end of the day, he dies and is swallowed

by Nut (the sky goddess), where he travels through
the Duat (Underworld) to be reborn as Khepri again. In short,
he goes through a cycle of renewal each day.
Though the day has ended in Ancient Egypt, Ra’s journey has
not finished. Ra is now dead but the boat will continue to the
Duat. The Afterlife is divided into 12 regions, guarded by a gate
(for each hour of the night). The god is taken care of by the 12
goddesses of the night (for each region) and by other gods of
the pantheon as well.

(The goddesses had pretty cool and long names!)

Watercourse of Ra-:

The perils of the first hour of the night were taken care of by
the night goddess Sau (Smiter of the Heads of the Enemies
of Ra). She defended the boat against six serpents who could
spew flames. After this, the boat slowly moves till it reaches
the gate of the second hour

Ur-ness-:

The goddess of the second hour (The Wise Protector of Her

Lord) takes over and guides the boat. Ra is the king of this
region, and the shades of those who have died live here.
According to legends, gods such as Bes (dwarf god)
and Nepra (god of grain) reside here.

Watercourse of the only God:-

The goddess of the third hour (She Who Slices Souls) leads
the boat through Amentet, the kingdom of Osiris (God of the
Underworld). This is the region where the dead undergo
Judgement.

Living one of Forms:-

The goddess of the fourth hour(Great in Her Powers) takes

charge through the domain of Sokar (a variation of Osiris). The
River of the Night disappears into a ravine and is hidden
behind shifting sands. She cooly transforms the boat into a
great serpent and traverses the region.

Hidden:-

The goddess of the fifth hour (She Who is in Her Boat) takes
over through another region ruled by Sokar. Here we find the
god himself in his monstrous glory. Sokar punishes the
rebellious ones while protecting Khepera (The Great Soul, the
beetle will help in the re-birth of Ra) who resides in the Realm
of Night and Darkness. Khepera now joins the crew in their
journey through the Duat.

Abyss of Waters:-

The sixth goddess (Proficient Leader) takes her place and

transforms the serpent back into a boat as the River of the
Night reappears. This region is under the dominion of Osiris.
As the boat sails on, mystical creatures and mysterious shapes
stand on the two sides of the river and sing praises to the dead
god. Khepera is placed on the head of Ra as the boat will now
move to the point of sunrise.

Secret Cavern:-

The responsibility of the boat now falls to the shoulders of

the seventh goddess (She Who Repels the Forces of Chaos
and Decapitates the Savage-Faced). This is also the region
where the boat comes face-to-face with the
serpent Apophis (The serpent of evil and chaos), who wishes to
kill Ra and destroy the world. Isis (the goddess of magic) uses
her abilities and creates the serpent Mehen to protect the sun
god and defeat the enemy. The gods Selket (goddess of the
dead) and Her-desuf (variation of Horus) leap from the boat
and attack him as well.

They can wound, weaken, and bind him, but unfortunately,

they can never kill him. The boat sails on and the night is
ready to transition into day.

Sarcophagus of the Gods:-

The eighth goddess (The Coffer of Her Deities) takes charge

of the boat. This region is aptly named as the dead gods of
Egypt dwell here. They shout praises and prayers to Ra. The
boat is now followed by a procession of a mysterious group
known as the Nine Followers of the Gods. The four rams
known as Tanaten march ahead of the boat.

Procession of Images:-

The ninth goddess (The Wise Protector of Her Lord) made

her appearance as the boat continued. The river runs strong
and the boat is trusted forward. The goddesses take paddles to
guide the boat against the rough waters while more gods sing
praises of Ra. The dead reside in this region and receive
offerings made by the living.

Abyss of Waters, Lofty of Banks:-

The tenth goddess (The Raging One, Who Boils the Rebel
Alive) takes her position and guides the boat. More dwellers
and warriors come near the river to welcome Ra. Four
goddesses appear and lighten the way (signaling the first rays
of sunlight). The Morningstar (two-headed snake with legs)
moves before the boat, protecting Ra from his enemies.

Khepera finally fuses with the soul of Ra, but the king is still
dead (i.e. not rejuvenated.

Mouth of the Cavern:-

The eleventh goddess (The Instructor, Lady of the Sacred

Boat, at Whose Emergence the Rebels are Punished) takes
over the helm. The river loses its momentum and the snake
Mehen tows the boat forward. This region is a dark and evil
region of the Duat as evil-doers are punished for their
sins. Atum (a version of Ra) watches over the boat and guides
the boat with a gentle breeze.

Darkness has Fallen and Births Shine Forth:-

The twelfth goddess (Who Sees the Beauty of Ra) takes

charge of the final bit of the journey. This region is unique as it
is not geographical, but it takes place in the body of a serpent
known as the Life of the Gods. Twelve worshippers of Ra tow
the boat to the end. It is here that Khepera awakes the soul
and Ra is reborn as Khepri. The old body of Ra’ is thrown out
of the boat as the ship spills out of the mouth of the serpent
and emerges from the mountain of Bhaku.