The lives of the gods and humans in Egyptian mythology were said to be based around Ma'at, the balance of life. Perhaps the greatest threat to this order was the giant serpent which was believed to attack the sun each night. What name was given to this serpent?

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Sherlyn Schmidt

5 September, 16:07

The lives of the gods and humans in Egyptian mythology were said to be based around Ma'at, the balance of life. Perhaps the greatest threat to this order was the giant serpent which was believed to attack the sun each night. What name was given to this serpent?

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Answers (1)

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Dean Oconnor · Answer 1

The name given to this serpent was Apep.

Explanation:

While Ma'at was the light, the truth, or the order, Apep was a serpent god whose purpose was to destroy Ma'at. Every night, Apep would attack the sun god Ra, the upholder of Ma'at. And every night, Apep would be defeated.

Apep was also known as Lord of Chaos and his creation was believed to be a consequence of Ra's creation. Apep would sometimes be described as being born from Ra's umbilical cord. In their battles, Apep's movements were believed to cause earthquakes and even thunderstorms.