Thoth

Thoth is a significant deity in ancient Egyptian religion, commonly depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon, animals sacred to him. He played numerous roles in the cultures of ancient Egypt. Associated with the arts of magic, the system of writing, the development of science, judgment of the dead, and the art of arbitration. His role in ancient Egyptian mythology and society greatly influenced the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Thoth was often considered the heart and tongue of the sun god Ra and the means by which Ra’s will was translated into speech and writing. He was also considered the secretary of the gods, counselor of Ra, and the “One who Made Calculations Concerning the Heavens, the Stars and the Earth.” As such, Thoth was considered the god of wisdom, science, and scribes.

This deity was believed to have been the author of the spells in the Book of the Dead, which provided the deceased with the necessary knowledge and power to journey safely through the dangers of the underworld. He was also said to have been the scribe who recorded the verdict on the fate of the deceased after their heart had been weighed against the feather of Ma’atMa'at, in ancient Egyptian culture, is a very sign More, the goddess of truth, on the scales of justice.

In the realm of the arts, Thoth was regarded as the patron of scribes and writing. The invention of writing and alphabets was credited to him. His association with the ibis, its long, curved beak reminiscent of a scribe’s pen, reinforces this role. He was often depicted in a scribal stance – seated with a papyrus scroll across his knees, pen in hand.

As the arbiter of disputes and the god of equilibrium, Thoth was also linked with the concept of balance and harmony. He was the maintainer of the universe, attributed with making calculations to establish the heavens, stars, and Earth, and with directing the motions of the celestial bodies.

Furthermore, Thoth’s responsibilities extended to the moon, where he was deemed its god. His connection with the moon and being called the “Measurer of Time” links him with calendars, geometry, and measurements.

In conclusion, Thoth was an essential and multi-faceted deity in ancient Egyptian religion, a figure of intelligence and arbitrator of the divine and earthly realms. His broad spheres of influence highlight the interconnected nature of knowledge, wisdom, time, and balance in the ancient Egyptian worldview.

Found

Egypt