The ancient Egyptians did not take the condition of Ma’at in their world for granted. It was
always seen as an effort, indeed, as an ongoing, daily struggle engaging both humans as well as the
Netjeru. A central theme in the mythic vision of Ra crossing the sky in his day-barque was the danger
confronted and overcome in the person of the chaos-serpent, Apep or Aapep (referred to in Greek as
“Apophis”). It was this cosmic enemy of creation who was utterly opposed to all that exists. It was he
who threatened the equilibrium of Ma’at.

Eternal Egypt