Thoth, one of the most important and revered deities of ancient Egypt, symbolizes a multitude of complex concepts and ideas that were central to Egyptian civilization. Often represented as an ibis, a baboon or a man wearing a moon headdress and a sun disk, Thoth is the Egyptian god of wisdom, education, writing and magic. He is also known as the god of the moon and the master of measurements and time. Its multifaceted role within the Egyptian pantheon testifies to the importance placed on education, knowledge and wisdom in ancient Egypt.
The Mythological Origin of Thoth
The exact origin of Thoth in Egyptian mythology is somewhat uncertain and changing, a common trait for many Egyptian deities due to the immense span and geographical diversity of this civilization. In some traditions, notably in Hermopolis, Thoth is described as a self-created deity, a primordial entity that existed before the formation of the world. In other traditions, notably that of Heliopolis, he is presented as a servant of the sun god. Ra. In some myths, Thoth is described as being born from the head of Seth after the latter ate a lettuce into which Isis had inseminated the fluid of the god Osiris. This birth of Thoth is symbolic of his role as the god of wisdom and knowledge emerging from conflict and confusion.
Thoth and the Creation of Hieroglyphic Writing
As the god of writing, Thoth is traditionally credited with the invention of hieroglyphs, the complex and elaborate writing system of ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphs, used to transcribe the sacred language of the ancient Egyptians, are made up of hundreds of pictographic signs that can represent objects, sounds, ideas or actions. According to the myths, Thoth would have created these signs to allow humans to communicate with the gods and to document their exploits and their stories. As the patron saint of scribes, Thoth was revered by those who sought to master this delicate art. Scribes, who were among the most educated individuals in ancient Egypt, were often depicted in Egyptian art making an offering to Thoth as a sign of devotion.
The Symbols Associated with Thoth
Thoth is often associated with various symbols and animals in Egyptian mythology and art. One of the most recognizable symbols is the ibis, a bird with long legs and a long curved beak that is commonly found along the Nile. Thoth is often depicted as an ibis or as an ibis-headed man, a depiction that highlights his role as the god of wisdom and writing. Another animal commonly associated with Thoth is the baboon, which in ancient Egypt was considered an embodiment of wisdom and science.
Besides these animals, Thoth is also associated with specific symbols. For example, the moon is often linked to Thoth, reflecting his role as the god of time measurement and natural cycles. Papyrus, the basic material for writing in ancient Egypt, is another symbol of Thoth, emphasizing his association with writing and knowledge. Finally, the caduceus, a rod surrounded by two snakes, is often associated with Thoth because of his role as mediator and messenger of the gods.
The Epithets of Thoth: Names and Titles
Like many Egyptian gods, Thoth is known by many names and titles that reflect his different roles and attributes. Among these titles are "Lord of Khemennu" (an ancient name for Hermopolis, an important center of his worship), "Lord of the divine word" (in reference to his role as the god of writing and speech), and “Three times great, great” (a title that underlines his great wisdom).
Other titles of Thoth include "Lord of Time" or "Counter of Years", referring to his association with the measurement of time, and "Lord of the Sacred Heart", which links Thoth to magic and sacred rituals. These varying names and titles offer insight into how the ancient Egyptians viewed Thoth and the extent of his divine responsibilities and attributes.
Thoth and the Myth of the Moon
Thoth plays a major role in the myth of the moon in Egyptian mythology. In one story, he won extra light from the moon by playing a game of dice with the moon itself, or according to some versions, with Iah, the moon god. Thanks to this victory, Thoth was able to add five more days to the Egyptian year, which initially had 360 days. These extra days allowed Nut, the goddess of the sky, to give birth to her five children (Osiris, Isis, Seth, Nephthys and Horus the Elder), despite a curse that had been pronounced against her.
Additionally, Thoth, being closely associated with the moon, was also responsible for various aspects of timekeeping, astronomy, and calendars. He was considered the guardian of the cycles of the moon and the regulator of time.
The Artistic Representations of Thoth
In Egyptian art, Thoth is often depicted as an ibis or a baboon, or as a man with the head of one of these animals. He often wears a moon headdress and a sun disk, symbolizing his mastery over time and his connection to the sky. He is also often depicted with a palette and stylus, writing implements that emphasize his role as the god of wisdom and writing.
Statues and amulets of Thoth were common, especially among scribes, who considered him their patron. He was often depicted in the weighing scenes of the heart in the Book of the Dead, where he recorded the result of the weighing of the deceased's heart, a critical moment in the judgment of the afterlife.
The Role of Thoth in Divine Justice
As the god of wisdom and knowledge, Thoth also had an important role in divine justice. He was considered the scribe of the gods, recording all important events, including the actions of human beings. As part of the judgment of the dead, Thoth recorded the result of the weighing of the heart, a crucial test that determined whether a soul was worthy to enter the afterlife.
Beyond this role, Thoth was also considered a fair and impartial god, and he was often invoked in legal cases. His knowledge and wisdom made him an ideal arbiter of disputes and disagreements, both among gods and among men.
Thoth and the Egyptian Calendar
The Egyptian calendar is intrinsically linked to Thoth, as god of the moon and time. The Egyptians used a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon, but they also developed a 365-day civil calendar to more closely align with the solar year. Thoth, as lord of time and measure, was considered the guardian of this calendar.
The first month of the Egyptian calendar year was named for Thoth and marked the beginning of the flood season, a crucial event in ancient Egyptian agricultural life. Thoth was also honored at various festivals throughout the year, which marked important events in the religious and agricultural calendar.
Thoth in the Myth of Osiris: A Role of Healer and Arbiter
In the myth of the god Osiris, Thoth plays a crucial role as healer and arbiter. When Seth kills Osiris and scatters his body, it is Thoth, along with Isis and Nephthys, who helps to seek out and reassemble the pieces of this same god. Thoth then uses his great wisdom and magical powers to resurrect Osiris, allowing him to become king of the afterlife.
Moreover, during the ensuing conflict between Horus, the son of Osiris, and Seth, Thoth acts as an impartial arbiter. He helps resolve disputes and ensures that justice is done, thus demonstrating his role as guardian of Ma'at, cosmic order and justice. Thoth therefore serves as a mediator between the forces of order and chaos, helping to maintain the balance of the world.
Thoth and Magic
Thoth played an important role in the practice of magic, or "heka", in ancient Egypt. Considered the master of words of power, Thoth is often credited with the invention of magic itself. Magic was an essential aspect of Egyptian life and religion, closely linked to medicine, protection, revenge and rites of love.
Egyptian magical texts, such as the Book of the Dead or the Book of Breathings, often refer to Thoth as a source of magical power. Thoth's amulets were also commonly used as protective talismans.
The Cult of Thoth: Temples and Ceremonies
The worship of Thoth was widespread throughout Egypt, with temples dedicated to this god in cities such as Hermopolis, Khmunu and Abydos. The Temple of Thoth at Hermopolis was particularly important and was the center of his worship.
The ceremonies and rituals associated with Thoth were many and varied, ranging from daily rituals of offerings and prayers to annual festivals celebrating specific aspects of this god. A notable example is the Festival of Thoth, which celebrated the birth of Thoth and coincided with the start of the Egyptian calendar year.
Thoth in Egyptian Literature
The figure of Thoth is ubiquitous in Egyptian literature, appearing both as a character in myths and legends and as a deity invoked in hymns, prayers and ritual texts. He is often described as a wise adviser, an impartial judge and a powerful magician.
Among the most famous texts that refer to Thoth are the Book of the Dead, a collection of spells intended to aid the deceased in the afterlife, and the Book of Thoth, a mythical text said to contain all the knowledge of the world.
Thoth and the other Egyptian deities
Thoth maintains complex relationships with the other deities of the Egyptian pantheon. In some traditions he is considered the secretary of Ra, the sun god, while in others he is seen as an advisor to Ma'at, the goddess of truth and balance. Thoth also plays a crucial role in the myth of Osiris, helping Isis resurrect her husband and avenge his death at the hands of Seth.
His story in pictures
Thoth in Contemporary Popular Culture
In contemporary popular culture, Thoth has appeared in various ways, including literature, movies, video games, and even tabletop games. Here are some examples :
Literature
- “The Kane Chronicles” by Rick Riordan: Thoth appears as a somewhat eccentric god, worshiping tacos and writing a series of self-help books.
- “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” by Michael Scott: Thoth is portrayed as Hermes Trismegistus and plays an important role in the narrative.
Films and Television
- “Gods of Egypt”: In this film, Thoth is played by Chadwick Boseman and is portrayed as the god of wisdom, very proud of his intellect.
- "Stargate SG-1": Thoth is mentioned in the episode "The Quest", where he is portrayed as an "ascendant", a being of pure energy.
Video games
- “Age of Mythology”: Thoth is one of the minor deities that players can worship to gain special technologies and powers.
- “Smite”: Thoth is one of the playable characters, portrayed as a ranged mage using his powers to control the battlefield.
Table games
- “Kemet”: Thoth is one of the deity cards in this strategic board game based on Egyptian mythology.
- “Ankh: Gods of Egypt”: In this board game, Thoth is one of the playable deities, with unique abilities.
These examples show how Thoth has been adapted and reinterpreted through different media in contemporary popular culture, testifying to its lasting impact as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
Genealogy of Thoth
Mother | Renenoutet |
Père | Ra ou Ptah |
Wife | Maat, Seshat or Hathor |
Children | Seshat, Nehmou, A'ah-Djehuty, Horbehedjeb, Haramheb |
Egyptian deities other than Thoth