Ra, previously known as Atum, was the most important god in Egyptian mythology. He is said to have created himself from the mound formed by the eight original beings, or the OGDOAD. After he created himself, he created Shu and Tefnut to create the world. Since the world was created he has sailed across the sky as the Sun. Ra was known as the creation and Sun god. He was thought of as having the Sun as his body or eye. The ancient Egyptians thought of the Sun as warmth, light, and creation. Ra was believed to wept, and from his tears man was created. In a passage in the Book of the Dead, Ra cuts himself and creates Hu which is authority and Sia which is mind, two mental personifications. He was also known to create the plants, animals,
