After the wise god of the Sun saved the Egyptians from the merciless lioness Sokhmet, the goddess of justice Maat again established peace on earth. However, Ra, who had already become completely decrepit and tired of ruling the state, decided to completely renounce power. Having called the gods to a council, he complained to them:
“I live, but my heart is very tired of being with people,” he said. “I struck them in vain, for the extermination was not complete.”
- Don’t rush to get tired! - Nun objected on behalf of all the gods. “For you prevail in everything you wish.”
“My limbs have weakened for the first time, and I will not allow another to overcome me,” answered Nunu Ra.
“Well, have it your way, sir,” Nun agreed sadly and, after a pause, turned to his son. “My son Shu,” he said, “be your father (i.e. Ra) [support], protect him.” And you, my daughter Nut,” he turned to the goddess of the sky, “raise him.”
- How is this, my father Nun? - the goddess Nut was surprised. “Turn into a Heavenly Cow, and Shu will lift you up just as he lifted you when he broke the embrace of your brother Geb, separating heaven from earth.”
Nut turned into a cow, and the Sun God placed himself on her back, about to fly up into the air. People saw this, were afraid that it would be bad for them on earth without Ra, and shouted to him:
- Return to us, lord, radiant god! You are old, but we will not let you be offended. We will defeat all your enemies who blasphemed you and threatened you, we will destroy every single one of them, and you will be able to reign peacefully on earth!
Hearing these words, the Sun God felt sorry for the people and decided to postpone his ascension to heaven for a while. It was late at night. When morning came, people left their houses, armed themselves with bows and spears and moved an army against Ra’s enemies - hippos, crocodiles and snakes. The demons of evil were destroyed. For this, Ra finally forgave people:
“Your sins are behind you, for destruction is for destruction (that is, I forgive you all the evil that you caused me, for by the destruction of my enemies you atoned for the guilt, bought off the destruction of yourself), he said and solemnly addressed the Heavenly Cow:
- I placed myself on your match, may I ascend! Nut, in the form of a cow, took Ra to heaven. The other gods clung to the Cow's belly and turned into stars.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru