Thoth is revered as the Egyptian deity embodying writing, magic, wisdom, and the moon. He held a prominent position within the ancient Egyptian pantheon and is believed to have either self-created or been born from Horus’s seed, emerging from Set’s forehead. This duality of origin places him at the crossroads of order and chaos, emphasizing his role as a god of balance and equilibrium.
Thoth’s identity is closely linked with the concept of ma’at, representing divine truth and order. As a deity embodying balance, he is associated with both the principle of ma’at and its goddess Ma’at, who is sometimes described as his wife. Additionally, he had other consorts including Nehemetawy, the protector goddess referred to as “She Who Embraces Those In Need.” In his aspect as A’an, Thoth played a significant role in the judgment of souls alongside Osiris in the Hall of Truth, encouraging those who feared judgment to call upon him for support. Seshat, the goddess of writing and the keeper of books, is often noted as his closest companion, sometimes mentioned as his wife or daughter.
The worship of Thoth originated in Lower Egypt, likely during the Pre-Dynastic Period (approximately 6000-3150 BCE), and persisted through the Ptolemaic Period (323-30 BCE), making his veneration one of the most enduring among Egyptian deities. His name frequently appeared in the names of Egyptian kings, such as Tuthmoses meaning “Born of Thoth,” reflecting his significance. Commonly depicted as a human figure with either an ibis head or a baboon seated with a lunar disc above, Thoth was particularly honored by scribes, who offered a drop of ink to him as a sign of respect before commencing their work.
Name & Origin
Thoth’s ancient Egyptian name, Djehuty (or dhwty), translates to “He Who is Like the Ibis,” a bird considered sacred and symbolic of wisdom in ancient Egypt. Various forms of his name include Jehuti, Tahuti, Tehuti, Zehuti, and Techu. He was often referred to as the “Lord of Khemenu” (later known as Hermopolis), his principal center of worship. The Greeks later associated Thoth with Hermes, further blending the two into Hermes Trismegistus, a figure often credited with great wisdom.
Mythically, Thoth was described as emerging from “the lips of Ra,” marking him as the “god without a mother,” or, in other stories, as a self-created being who, in his ibis form, laid the cosmic egg from which all of creation sprang. His close ties with Ra underscored his role in establishing divine order and justice. Another version of his origin recounts his birth from Horus’s semen, which Set inadvertently swallowed during a conflict, illustrating his integral role in the mythology surrounding the struggle between chaos and order.
Thoth & The Distant Goddess
The narrative of the Distant Goddess is a recurring theme in Egyptian tales, representing Ra’s daughter who retreats to distant lands due to disagreements with him. Her return, orchestrated with the help of Thoth, typically signifies a transformative effect on the people. The tale often includes the metaphorical Eye of Ra, highlighting the goddess’s vital role in the cosmic order. Geraldine Pinch notes that Thoth was chosen to retrieve the goddess due to his cleverness, taking on a disguise to accomplish the mission after asking for her return numerous times.
In addition to this role, Thoth significantly influenced the birth of the initial five gods in Egypt. Amid Nut’s pregnancy with Geb, Ra’s anger led him to declare that Nut would not give birth during the year. Thoth engaged in a gamble for five days of moonlight, enabling Nut to defy Ra’s decree and successfully deliver her children: Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and Horus. For this clever maneuver, Ra acknowledged and honored Thoth’s contributions by granting him a seat on the celestial vessel traveling through the sky and assisting in fending off the serpent Apophis.
Thoth & the Written Word
As the creator of written language, Thoth was pivotal in the act of recording history and daily life. In different variations of the myths, he is portrayed as the inventor of writing or working alongside Seshat to impart this gift to humanity. Thoth, described as “the excellent of understanding,” meticulously chronicled events and provided reports to Ra, serving as the gods’ record keeper. He collaborated with Seshat to inscribe destinies and detail a king’s reign, linking him profoundly with the concept of fate.
Due to his role as the deity of writing, Thoth became the patron of scribes, who dedicated their craft to him each day. Imagery from the 18th Dynasty captures Thoth in baboon form, seated above a diligent scribe, underscoring the significance of the written word in achieving a form of immortality. Scribes believed their words would persist beyond their mortal lives, secured in the divine library of Seshat.
Thoth in the Afterlife
In depictions of the afterlife, Thoth frequently appears alongside Osiris and Anubis, documenting the outcomes of souls’ judgments in the Hall of Truth. Scholar Richard H. Wilkinson highlights Thoth’s role in weighing the deceased’s heart against the feather of truth, reinforcing his reputation for integrity. His residence, known as the Mansion of Thoth, provided solace and magic for souls attempting to navigate the afterlife. The belief that Thoth authored many magical texts spurred traditions claiming he wrote forty-two sacred books, containing knowledge essential for humanity, of which some remained hidden for future initiates. The Greeks equated Thoth with Hermes and associated him with the Hermetica—a revered body of literature.
Worship of Thoth & Legacy
The chief center of Thoth’s worship was Hermopolis, yet his reverence spread widely across Egypt. Unlike many other deities, Thoth attracted followers from various societal levels, and involvement with his cult often included educated scribes and members of the ruling class. His importance is seen in references from the New Kingdom, where several monarchs bore names associated with Thoth, indicating royal patronage.
Pilgrimages to Thoth’s temples led to offerings of mummified ibises and baboons, revealing his popularity. Excavations at Tuna el-Gebel showcased thousands of these mummified remains, indicating a lasting devotion to Thoth. Even today, Thoth remains a significant spiritual entity, recognized in various contemporary spiritual movements and often depicted in popular culture, reflecting an enduring legacy.
