The Journey of Ra through the Underworld | Reader’s Theater Script | Egyptian Mythology

The Journey of Ra through the Underworld Reader’s Theater Script of Egyptian Mythology explores how the ancient Egyptians understood the sun’s daily cycle and night-time battles against darkness. Ra, the mighty sun-god, embarks on a perilous voyage through the underworld (the Duat) each evening, facing serpents, demons, and the dreaded chaos serpent Apophis. With the help of his divine crew, Ra defeats his foes to ensure that dawn will return. For a more detailed script summary see below.

The resources consists of an editable DOCX file (14 pages) which contains:

1) Teacher Tips & Answer Key

• CCSS Alignment
• Teacher Tips for use as both RT and Play/Skit
• Answer Keys for Worksheet
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~13 Characters, 1600 words

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Comprehension Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script
• Character Traits Chart - Students write 1 or 2 adjectives that describe the main characters in the script and support their answers with quotes from the script.

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For digital classrooms, upload the DOCX Script and convert to Google docs
• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about ~20 minutes and depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra ~25 minutes for prep, discussion, vocabulary or short answer comprehension questions should also be planned.

Script Summary:

After ruling the daytime sky, Ra (or Af Ra by night) descends into the Duat at sunset. There, joined by pilot gods, he navigates treacherous halls filled with tormented spirits and fiery obstacles, pausing only to grant a sliver of mercy. At the center of this journey, he confronts Apophis—a monstrous serpent bent on devouring the sun. By wielding spells, spears, and his own divine radiance, Ra subdues Apophis again. Continuing eastward, he meets Osiris, who reigns over the justified dead. Finally, Ra passes through the eastern gate, transforming into Khepera at dawn, symbolizing the sun reborn. The cycle repeats endlessly, ensuring each new morning for mortals.