What god is Thoth?
The name of the god Thoth was spelled as Djehuty by ancient Egyptians. Earlier, he was believed to be the only moon god. Later, he came to be known as the god of wisdom, writing & knowledge.
Why was the god Thoth important?
Ancient Egyptians respected Thoth greatly. Because they believed that this god invented the art of writing. Writing is considered to be the most important element that shaped our world in a more meaningful way. So, we can understand how important Thoth was in ancient Egypt because of his close association with the writing system.
How Thoth was born?
According to the legend ‘Contendings of Horus & Seth’, Thoth was the son of Horus. He was born from the forehead of Seth who had eaten the semen Horus on some lettuce plants.
Although, there is a late version of the same legend, according to which, the seed of Horus appeared on the head of Seth as a shining disk. Thoth took it & placed on his own head as his emblem.
Thoth as the creator god
As the importance & popularity of Thoth increased to a great level of acceptance, he was given the status of creator god by his priests. According to later mythology, Thoth, in the form of Ibis laid an egg from which Ra was born.
According to other myths, he created himself through the power of words. Thoth was also believed to create eight deities of the Ogdoad thriugh his song: Gods Nun. Amun. Heh & Kuk and Goddess Nunet, Amaunet, Hauheh & Kauket.
‘The Book of Thoth’
According to researchers, the ‘Book of Thoth’ is the collection of the ancient Egyptian texts which wee thought to be written by the god of wisdom & knowledge. Thoth. According to legends, if one person can read the book, that person would know all the secrets & would conquer the earth, the air, the sea & the celestial bodies.
Why does Thoth have a bird head?
Sometimes Thoth is depicted with the head of a bird that was known as sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus). Thoth sometimes is depicted as a sacred Ibis or sometimes in a form with the body of a man & the head of Sacred Ibis.
This Ibis bird symbolizes Thoth’s mastery over the writing system & knowledge. In many temples, an Ibis-headed Thoth is depicted assisting the deities or recording the matters related to the king. So. his important position in royal order may also be reflected through the depiction of the Sacred Ibis.
Who did Thoth marry?
Thoth was thought to be married to Seshat. Seshat as the counterpart of Thoth is regarded as the goddess of writing, wisdom & knowledge.
The depiction of Thoth as a baboon
Thoth was sometimes depicted as a baboon, a primate common to the semi-desert of the savannah.
What were Thoth’s responsibilities?
The most important responsibility of Thoth was to record the divine words. He was responsible for all kinds of accounts & records. He recorded the passing of time. Thus, he was also known as the ‘lord of time’. He also appears in an ancient purification ritual accompanying Horus, Seth & Dunanwi, personifying four cardinal points altogether.
