Thoth is the god of many different areas: wisdom, the moon, the arts, writing, math, science and arbitration. He is also thought to be the official scribe of the gods. He is often depicted with an ibis head, a moon disk, and a scroll.
Thoth’s birth tale was one mired in violence and trickery. Some versions said that he was created by Ra; but many other versions depicted Thoth as the product of a night of domination and revenge between Horus and Set. At the end of it, Thoth was believed to have come from Horus’ seed and borne through Set’s forehead.
Thoth was very often the arbitrator between gods, including Ra vs. Apep, Horus vs. Set, and Bekhutet vs. Set. He would always restore health to a god who was seriously injured so that neither god could physically overpower the other. Thoth was also believed to be the creator of the modern calendar. According to legends, he bargained with the moon to gain five days of its light so that Nut the sky goddess could be fertile and bear children. Before this, the calendar was only 360 days long.
Thoth was also the god who aided Isis in recovering the dismembered parts of her husband, Osiris’ body, after they had been scattered all over the earth by Set. After helping her get the pieces together, he embalmed Osiris and then gave Isis the secret power to bring him back to life for a short time. Thoth is also the god who repaired Horus’ badly-injured eye, creating the Eye of Horus. Thoth was thought to be the scribe of the gods, keeping meticulous records for them in hieroglyphics, which was also then passed down to mankind.
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Try it for Free!Thoth Quick Reference
Parents
Ra, or Horus and Set
Power / Domain
Wisdom, the moon, the arts, writing, math, science, and arbitration
Symbols / Attributes
- moon disk
- ibis head
- scroll
Notable Myths
- Ra vs. Apep
- Creation of the 365-day calendar
- Resurrection of Osiris
How Tos about Thoth: Egyptian God
Introduce students to Thoth using visual storytelling
Show images or illustrations of Thoth and ask students to describe what they see. This sparks curiosity and helps students connect with the topic visually before diving into facts.
Connect Thoth’s attributes to classroom subjects
Relate Thoth’s role as god of wisdom and writing to subjects like language arts, science, and history. Point out how stories about Thoth can inspire students to value learning and creative thinking.
Create a collaborative fact-finding activity
Assign small groups to research and present one interesting fact about Thoth. Encourage students to use encyclopedia pages and share their findings with the class. This promotes teamwork and information literacy.
Design a classroom mural or poster about Thoth
Invite students to draw, paint, or collage key symbols and facts about Thoth. Display the artwork in your classroom to reinforce learning through creative expression and visual memory.
Guide students in comparing Thoth to other gods of wisdom
Encourage students to research and compare Thoth with other wisdom deities, such as Athena or Saraswati. This helps develop critical thinking and a broader understanding of world cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thoth: Egyptian God
Who was Thoth in ancient Egyptian mythology?
Thoth was the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, science, and magic. He was often depicted with the head of an ibis and played a key role in recording the results of the weighing of the heart ceremony in the afterlife.
What did Thoth symbolize for the Egyptians?
Thoth symbolized knowledge, learning, and the power of words for the Egyptians. He was considered the inventor of hieroglyphics and the patron of scribes and scholars.
Why is Thoth important in Egyptian culture?
Thoth was important because he was believed to maintain the universe's balance by settling disputes among the gods and recording important decisions. His wisdom ensured justice and truth in Egyptian society.
How was Thoth usually represented in art and hieroglyphics?
Thoth was usually shown as a man with an ibis head or sometimes as a baboon. He is often depicted holding a writing palette and stylus, symbolizing his connection to writing and recording.
What are some fun facts about Thoth for students?
Some fun facts: Thoth was said to have invented the calendar, helped create the world with his words, and was known as the 'scribe of the gods.' He was also associated with the moon and timekeeping.
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