Which Egyptian solar boat carried the sun god through the underworld during the night?

The story behind the answer

Mesektet was the Egyptian solar boat associated with the sun god’s nighttime journey through the underworld.

Egyptian solar theology commonly distinguished the boat used during the day from the one used after sunset. The daytime vessel was Mandjet, while Mesektet carried the sun through the dangerous night voyage toward rebirth.

Underworld books such as the Amduat and Book of Gates portray this journey as a passage through darkness populated by gods, guardians, and enemies. The sun’s return at dawn symbolized victory over disorder and the renewal of life.

Transliteration can produce variant spellings, and some sources use broader terms such as “solar barque” rather than a specific boat name. Mesektet is the specific traditional name connected with the night voyage.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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