The Sun Was Eaten: 6 Ancient Cultural Explanations for Eclipses That Will Leave You Speechless

The Sun Was Eaten: 6 Ancient Cultural Explanations for Eclipses That Will Leave You Speechless

Solar and lunar eclipses have fascinated and frightened people for centuries. Long before modern science explained these celestial events, ancient cultures saw them as powerful omens and signs from the gods. Without scientific knowledge, the sudden darkening of the Sun or Moon was seen as a shocking disruption in the sky. Many societies created myths and spiritual explanations to make sense of eclipses. Here's a look at six incredible eclipse beliefs from different cultures around the world.

1. Chinese

In ancient Chinese mythology, solar eclipses were believed to occur when a dragon attacked and devoured the Sun. Historical records dating back over 4,000 years describe eclipses with phrases like “the Sun has been eaten.” To scare away the dragon and save the Sun, people would bang drums and make loud noises. Interestingly, lunar eclipses didn’t concern the ancient Chinese as much, with one early text dismissing them as "a common matter."

2. Indian

Hinduism offers a vivid story about the demon Rahu. Disguised as a woman, Rahu sneaked into a feast of the gods and drank the nectar of immortality. But Lord Vishnu caught and beheaded him before the nectar could pass his throat. As a result, Rahu’s immortal head roams the sky, occasionally catching the Sun or Moon and causing an eclipse. The Sun (or Moon) quickly reappears, as Rahu has no body to hold it.

3. Incan

The Inca people worshipped Inti, the Sun god, and saw solar eclipses as signs of his anger. When the Sun darkened, it meant that Inti was displeased. Priests would try to interpret the reason behind the god’s wrath and decide on the right offerings or sacrifices. While the Inca rarely practiced human sacrifice, eclipses were sometimes seen as serious enough to justify one. Fasting and royal withdrawal were also common responses.

4. Native American

Several Native American tribes have unique eclipse myths. The Choctaw believed that a mischievous black squirrel was nibbling the Sun during an eclipse. Like the Chinese, they made loud noises to scare it away. In contrast, the Ojibwa and Cree spoke of Tcikabis, a boy who trapped the Sun in a snare to get revenge for being burned. In this tale, a mouse ultimately chewed through the ropes and set the Sun free.

5. West African

Among the Batammaliba people of Togo and Benin, eclipses were seen as a fight between the Sun and Moon, triggered by human anger and conflict. Their story tells how the first mothers, Puka Puka and Kuiyecoke, urged humans to make peace. During eclipses, villagers resolve old disputes and come together in harmony, believing their actions can encourage peace between the celestial bodies too.

6. Egyptian

Surprisingly, the eclipse beliefs of ancient Egyptians remain a mystery. Despite their advanced understanding of astronomy and devotion to the Sun god Re (Ra), there are no direct references to eclipses in their surviving texts. Some scholars suggest they may have deliberately avoided documenting such a troubling phenomenon, fearing it would give the event too much power. Others believe that metaphors like “blindness” in ancient texts might actually describe eclipses.

These ancient cultural beliefs about solar and lunar eclipses show how humans across time and geography have tried to make sense of the skies. From cosmic battles to divine punishment, these stories reflect a deep reverence for celestial events and a desire to understand our place in the universe.