Significance of Boat of Ra

The Boat of Ra, according to ancient Egyptians, was a significant vessel used by deities like Ra and Horus. It served as a means to defeat enemies, journey through the Tuat, and transport souls of the dead to the afterlife. Gods and goddesses towed the boat, and spells protected it. Egyptians sought passage on the boat to join the gods and navigate the dangers of the underworld, ensuring their soul's safe passage. The boat's journey was sometimes halted, such as when Horus was dead, emphasizing its importance.

Synonyms: Ship, Vessel, Craft, Barge, Skiff, Solar barque

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Boat of Ra'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Boat of Ra in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of Gates

(1) A vessel towed along into the sky by goddesses of the hours.[1] (2) A vessel being towed by four gods of the Tuat, with Ra in the same form as before.[2] (3) A vessel being towed by four gods of the Tuat, carrying a god in a shrine enveloped by MEHEN, with SA and HEKA at the bows and stern.[3] (4) The boat of Ra travels through the Fifth Division of the Tuat and arrives at the gateway to the Sixth Division.[4] (5) It is towed by four gods of the Tuat in the middle of the Division.[5]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) Those who are in this picture take the towing rope of the boat of Ra when it cometh forth from the serpent ANKH-NETERU, and they tow this great god into the sky, and lead him along the ways of the upper sky.[6] (2) The Boat of Ra is under a canopy formed by the serpent Mehen, carrying the ram-headed god Afu, and it is protected by Isis.[7] (3) The Boat of Ra is towed through the Tuat by gods and goddesses, and the Sun-god makes his journey by means of those who tow him over this Circle.[8] (4) The four boats in front of the boat of AF are moved by the same power which moves this vessel. It is part of a procession.[9]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) The Boat of Ra stops in its journeying and cannot travel onwards while Horus lies dead, highlighting its significance.[10] (2) The Boat of Ra is where Heru-Behutet embarked after he had made an end of fighting, and sailed.[11] (3) Sailors in this entity are asked to cease from rowing, for it cannot travel onwards whilst Horus lies dead.[12] (4) The Boat of Ra is a vessel used by Ra and Horus, protected by spells recited by Thoth, and on which enemies are slain and their bodies distributed to Horus's followers.[13]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) The text refers to four apes who sit in the bows of the boat of Ra, who make the right and truth of Neb-er-tcher to advance.[14] (2) The boat of Ra is where Osiris Ani is located and where the adversaries of righteousness are destroyed, ensuring Ra's continued journey.[15] (3) The boat of Ra is a vessel where the soul can seeth the great god, suggesting a journey or a state of being in the provided material.[16] (4) Several chapters mention entering this, signifying joining the company of gods and making perfect the khu with divine followers.[17]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) It is a vessel in which the priests have said the final words which will secure for a soul a passage, as well as a safe-conduct to the abode of the blessed, whether in the vessel itself or in a kingdom.[18] (2) A vessel in which individuals sought permission to travel through a specific region, allowing followers to disembark at a particular kingdom or remain with the deity.[19] (3) The Boat of Ra is mentioned in the context of providing offerings to the gods, which would ensure that it travels on its way, highlighting the importance of maintaining divine order and facilitating the journey of the sun god.[20]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) The boat of Ra was a vessel used by Horus and his companions to pursue and defeat the enemies of Ra, and it played a significant role in their battles.[21] (2) The boat of Ra is the vehicle by which the souls of the dead, who were worshippers and adorers of the god on earth, journey through the Tuat, protected from dangers.[22] (3) The Egyptians sought to create a guide so that the soul would find it impossible to lose its way or be overcome by any monster that attempted to bar his way or to prevent his access to the boat of Ra.[23]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) The Boat of Ra moved onwards towards the north, and the enemies of the god who were on the banks took the form of crocodiles and hippopotami.[24] (2) A petition is made to be prepared a seat in the Boat of Ra on the day when the god goes forth, and to be received into the presence of Osiris, in the Land where Truth is spoken.[25]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) The boat of Râ is significant because the deceased wished to sail over heaven with the gods of the funeral cycle of Osiris, which could be secured by painting certain pictures and saying specific words.[26] (2) The boat of Râ is a figure inscribed on the backs of scarabs, sometimes with the Bennu bird or the eye of Horus, symbolizing the journey of the sun and the soul in the afterlife.[27]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Boat of Ra in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) The Boat of Ra is depicted in the Saite Recension, carrying Ra-Harmachis, the deceased, and a calf with a star, symbolizing a journey into the sky.[28]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.