Apep (Apophis) in Egyptian Mythology: Myths, Legends and Powers

Are you intrigued by the ancient myths and legends of Egypt? If so, you’ve likely encountered the enigmatic figure of Apep, also known as Apophis. This blog post delves into the fascinating stories of this serpent god, exploring the symbols and powers associated with him. 

Jump to:

Apep, often referred to as Apophis in Greek mythology, is one of the most infamous figures in ancient Egyptian mythology. Known as the serpent of chaos, Apep embodies the forces of disorder and destruction. Unlike many Egyptian gods who were worshipped, Apep was feared and reviled. His primary role in mythology was as the eternal enemy of the sun god Ra, representing the struggle between order and chaos that is central to Egyptian cosmology.

You might wonder why Apep is sometimes called Apophis. The name "Apep" is the original Egyptian name, while "Apophis" is the Greek version. The Greeks, who were fascinated by Egyptian mythology, often adapted names to fit their own language and cultural context. Regardless of the name used, both refer to the same fearsome entity.

Apep’s myths and legends shed light on his fearsome nature and his role in the cosmic order:

One of the most compelling myths about Apep is his nightly battle with Ra, the sun god. According to legend, every night, as Ra travels through the underworld in his solar barque (boat), Apep lies in wait, attempting to devour the sun and plunge the world into eternal darkness. The struggle between Ra and Apep symbolises the ongoing battle between light and darkness, order and chaos.

Despite Apep's formidable power, he is defeated every night by Ra and his allies, such as the god Seth. This cyclical battle ensures that the sun rises each morning, symbolising the triumph of order over chaos. However, Apep is not permanently destroyed and is resurrected each night to continue his attack, representing the persistent threat of chaos.

Another intriguing myth involves Apep and solar eclipses. The ancient Egyptians believed that Apep’s attacks on Ra sometimes partially succeeded, resulting in solar eclipses. During an eclipse, Apep was thought to have swallowed the sun momentarily, causing darkness during daylight hours. However, Ra and his allies would ultimately overcome Apep, restoring the sun's light. This myth explained the natural phenomenon of solar eclipses while reinforcing Apep's role as a relentless adversary to Ra and the forces of order.

Apep possesses a range of formidable powers that make him a significant threat in Egyptian mythology. These powers underline his role as the eternal adversary of Ra and the forces of order.

Despite his fearsome nature, Apep played a role in Egyptian rituals. Priests would perform specific rites to repel Apep, ensuring the sun’s safe passage through the underworld. These rituals underscored the importance of maintaining cosmic order and the perpetual vigilance against chaos.

Apep, as a symbol of chaos and destruction, is represented through various symbols in Egyptian mythology. These symbols highlight his fearsome nature and his opposition to order and light.

Unlike many deities in Egyptian mythology, Apep’s relationships and family connections are not as well-defined. His role as a symbol of chaos often places him outside the typical familial structures of other gods and goddesses.

In Egyptian mythology, Apep’s evil nature stems from his opposition to Ma’at, the concept of truth, balance, and cosmic order. While other deities were guardians of Ma’at, Apep sought to overthrow it, making him the embodiment of all that was chaotic and destructive. His eternal struggle against Ra further cemented his role as the antagonist in the cosmic order.

Apep is not a god in the traditional sense, as he was not worshipped but feared. He is best described as a demon or a symbol of chaos and destruction. His primary role is as the adversary of Ra and the personification of chaos.

In various myths, Apep is defeated by different gods, but the most notable is Seth, the god of storms and chaos. Despite Seth's own chaotic nature, he stands as a protector of Ra, using his strength to fend off Apep each night.

There are no specific myths that mention Apep having a wife. His role is largely solitary, focused on his eternal battle with Ra. This lack of familial connections further emphasises his role as a disruptive force rather than a traditional deity with familial ties.

In mythological terms, Apep is eternally alive as a symbol of chaos. His nightly defeats do not result in his permanent death, but rather his constant resurrection to challenge Ra again. This eternal cycle represents the perpetual threat of chaos to the order of the universe.

While Apep attempts to devour Ra each night, he is ultimately unsuccessful. The mythological narrative ensures that Ra is always victorious by dawn, symbolising the triumph of light and order over darkness and chaos.

Apep is often described as a demon rather than a god because he embodies evil and chaos. Unlike other gods who were worshipped and had temples, Apep was feared and represented all that was evil.

Apep's origins in mythology date back to the early periods of ancient Egyptian civilisation. References to Apep can be found in texts from the Middle Kingdom (circa 2055–1650 BCE) and he continued to be a significant figure throughout Egyptian history.

If you’re captivated by the myths and legends of ancient Egypt and want to learn more about its rich tapestry of gods and goddesses, consider enrolling in the Egyptian Mythology Diploma Course with Centre of Excellence. This fascinating course offers detailed insights into the fascinating world of Egyptian mythology, providing you with knowledge and understanding of its deities, myths, and cultural significance. For a limited time, you can enrol for a discounted price of £29.