23 Across

NYT Daily ? September 27, 2025

They arose from Ra's tears, according to Egyptian mythology

Answer:

BEES

Hint:

In ancient Egypt, these small creatures were believed to be born from the sun god’s sorrow and later became symbols of royalty, often linked to Lower Egypt’s kings. Their golden product was highly prized in rituals and trade.

Explanation:

In Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra was said to have wept, and his tears fell to the earth, transforming into bees. The clue references this legend directly, where bees are believed to have originated from Ra’s sorrow. It’s a straightforward cultural reference—no wordplay or tricks—just a nod to ancient Egyptian stories about creation. If you know the myth, "bees" is the obvious answer.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints