Ra was the popular sun god of Heliopolis who was worshipped throughout Egyptian history. Ra took on many other facets fitting with the time and rulers (i.e. Amun-Ra, Atum, Ra-Horakhty, etc.). Different myths suggest different origins of the omnipotent Ra. Some say he appeared from a primordial egg, others suggest he came from a lotus that appeared at the dawn of time and still other myths account for different origins. Ra was a stately god whose journey across the sky symbolized the passage of the sun from East to West. His visits to the twelve provinces accounted for the passage of time. During the different times of the day, he took on a different role. His journey was often riddled with danger and he and his solar bark had to be protected, especially from the evil chaotic serpent, Apep. Ra's omnipotence can be related to one tale in which he is aging and mankind is plotting against him. When he finds out, he sends forth The Eye of Ra, Sekhmet, to punish them and obliterate his enemies.