Geraldine Pinch claims that a much later creation myth explained that, "Apophis sprang from the saliva of the goddess Neith when she was still in the primeval waters.

"[4] But Apep was commonly believed to have existed from the beginning of time in the waters of Nu of primeval chaos.

The Egyptians practiced a number of rituals and superstitions that were thought to ward off Apep, and aid Ra in continuing his journey across the sky.

[13] The chapters described a gradual process of dishonoring, dismemberment, and disposal, which include: In addition to stories about Ra's victories, this guide had instructions for making wax models, or small drawings, of the serpent, which would be spat on, mutilated and burnt, whilst reciting spells that would aid Ra in killing Apep.

Fearing that even the image of Apep could give power to the demon, any rendering would always include another deity to subdue the monster.

The Book of the Dead does not frequently describe occasions when Ra defeated the chaos snake explicitly called Apep.