Thoth, one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian mythology, played a pivotal role in shaping Egyptian religion, cosmology, and even their understanding of science. Known as the god of wisdom, knowledge, writing, and magic, Thoth’s influence transcended cultures and time, eventually becoming associated with the Greek god Hermes. In this article, we will take a look deep into Thoth’s origins, his potential role in the construction of the pyramids, his association as an oracle, and his fascinating connection to the Greek deity Hermes.
Where Did Thoth Come From?
Thoth’s origins can be traced back to the Old Kingdom period of Egypt (around 2700–2200 BCE). Thoth, or “Djehuty” in Egyptian, was initially venerated as a local deity in the city of Hermopolis, known as “Khemenu” in ancient Egypt. Hermopolis became a major centre of learning and religion, and Thoth was considered its patron.
Thoth was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis (a bird commonly associated with wisdom in Egyptian iconography), or as a baboon, another creature the Egyptians associated with intelligence. He was revered as the divine scribe who invented writing (medu netjer, or “words of the gods”), mathematics, and astronomy. His ability to calculate and record the deeds of gods and men was crucial for maintaining Ma’at an ibis or sometimes as a baboon, both animals sacred to him. The ibis, with its long, curved beak, symbolised precision and knowledge, qualities deeply associated with Thoth. The baboon, on the other hand, was revered for its intelligence and was believed to be a divine interpreter of the moon’s cycles.
Thoth’s origins are also linked to the creation myth of ancient Egypt. In some versions, he is said to have emerged self-created at the dawn of time, bringing forth wisdom and language, and assisting in the creation of the world. In other accounts, Thoth was birthed from the lips of the sun god Ra, signifying his close connection with divine authority and the cosmic order.
Beyond his association with the Egyptian pantheon, Thoth also played a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of Ma’at, the concept of truth, order, and cosmic harmony. Thoth’s wisdom and fairness made him the mediator between the gods and the judge of both the living and the dead. In the “Book of the Dead,” Thoth’s presence is crucial during the “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony, where the souls of the deceased were judged for their worthiness to enter the afterlife.
Did Thoth Build the Pyramids?
The question, “Did Thoth build the pyramids?” is a common query fuelled by both historical speculation and more recent interpretations of Egyptian mythology. While mainstream archaeology credits the construction of the pyramids to the ancient Egyptian kings and their workforce, some alternative theories suggest that the knowledge behind the pyramids’ construction was divinely inspired by Thoth.
Thoth, as the god of knowledge, was revered for his understanding of mathematics, astronomy, and architecture skills that would have been essential for such monumental feats of engineering. The Great Pyramid of Giza, for instance, aligns with cardinal directions and certain astronomical features, leading some to speculate that Thoth’s wisdom may have guided the pyramid builders. However, there is no direct evidence in Egyptian texts or inscriptions to suggest that Thoth physically built the pyramids himself. Rather, he is often seen as the divine force behind the wisdom and science that made such grand constructions possible.
Some fringe theories, particularly those within the context of pseudoarchaeology and New Age spiritualism, claim that Thoth may have been an advanced being or even an extra-terrestrial who imparted the knowledge necessary for pyramid construction. These ideas often revolve around the legendary “Emerald Tablets of Thoth,” a mystical text said to contain profound secrets of the universe. According to some believers, the secrets of pyramid building were hidden within these ancient texts, although mainstream Egyptology dismisses such claims as speculative.
In summary, while Thoth is celebrated for his intellectual and magical prowess, the claim that he physically built the pyramids lacks historical evidence. Instead, his role as the god of wisdom implies that his divine influence could have inspired the profound mathematical and astronomical understanding necessary for such architectural wonders.
Was Thoth an Oracle?
Yes, Thoth was regarded as an oracle in ancient Egyptian religion, and his powers extended into divination and the interpretation of fate. Thoth’s wisdom and association with the concept of time made him the mediator of the gods’ will, and he was often invoked in matters of prophecy and guidance.
As the keeper of knowledge, Thoth was believed to possess the ability to foresee events and provide counsel to both the gods and humans. His connection to writing, in particular, meant that he was seen as a recorder of destiny, using sacred texts to reveal hidden truths. Temples dedicated to Thoth served as centres of learning and divination, where priests would interpret omens and give prophecies, guided by the god’s wisdom.
One of the most significant roles of Thoth as an oracle can be seen in his participation in the “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony, where he not only recorded the outcome but also revealed the souls’ fates. This act of judgment required a deep understanding of the balance of truth, justice, and morality, all areas under Thoth’s domain.
Thoth was also associated with the practice of dream interpretation, and the ancient Egyptians would seek his guidance in unravelling the meanings of their dreams. His connection to the moon further reinforced his role as an oracle, as lunar cycles were often tied to divination practices in many ancient cultures.
Though Thoth was undoubtedly seen as a powerful oracle within Egyptian mythology, his influence extended beyond Egypt’s borders, particularly into the world of Greece.
Thoth’s Relation to the Greek God Hermes
In the Hellenistic period, after Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt, Greek culture began to merge with Egyptian beliefs, leading to the identification of Thoth with the Greek god Hermes. This syncretism, known as “Hermes Trismegistus,” or “Thrice Great Hermes,” resulted from the Greeks recognizing similarities between their god of communication, travel, and commerce and the Egyptian god of wisdom and writing.
Hermes, like Thoth, was a god of knowledge and a messenger of the gods, overseeing communication between the divine and mortal worlds. Both deities were closely linked to writing and record-keeping, and Hermes was credited with the invention of the Greek alphabet in the same way that Thoth was believed to have invented hieroglyphics. Furthermore, both Thoth and Hermes were seen as psychopomps, guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife.
Hermes Trismegistus, as a fusion of both gods, became the central figure of a mystical tradition known as Hermeticism. This philosophical and spiritual system revolved around esoteric knowledge, alchemy, astrology, and magic. The Hermetic texts, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, explored profound metaphysical concepts and were deeply influential during the Renaissance, inspiring many thinkers, including Isaac Newton and Giordano Bruno.
See Post on Hermes Trismegistus here
The association between Thoth and Hermes also contributed to the spread of Thoth’s wisdom across the ancient world. The “Emerald Tablet,” a key Hermetic text, is said to have been written by Thoth/Hermes himself, revealing the secrets of the cosmos and the principles of alchemy. The famous phrase “As above, so below” originates from this text, encapsulating the belief in the interconnectedness of all things, a concept central to both Hermetic and Egyptian thought.
Thoth’s Role in Ancient Egypt and His Legacy
Thoth’s role as a god of wisdom, writing, and magic cannot be overstated. He was the divine scribe who maintained the universe’s cosmic order, recording all deeds and ensuring that the balance of Ma’at was upheld. His dual role as a mediator and counsellor to the gods placed him at the heart of the Egyptian pantheon.
Beyond his religious significance, Thoth’s legacy continues in the form of the many fields he influenced. He is credited with the invention of writing (hieroglyphics), which played a crucial role in ancient Egypt’s cultural and intellectual development. Thoth’s wisdom permeated the realms of science, medicine, and astronomy, areas where the ancient Egyptians excelled. Through his association with Hermes, his influence even spread into Greek philosophy, and later into the intellectual traditions of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.
Conclusion
Thoth remains one of the most enigmatic and revered deities in ancient Egyptian mythology. His origins as a god of knowledge, his speculated connection to the pyramids, his role as an oracle, and his identification with the Greek god Hermes demonstrate his far-reaching influence. Although there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Thoth physically built the pyramids, his association with the intellectual and spiritual tools necessary for such grand projects cements his place as one of the key figures in ancient wisdom traditions.
Whether viewed as the Egyptian god who maintained cosmic balance or as the Hermetic figure who transcended cultures, Thoth’s wisdom continues to captivate scholars, spiritualists, and seekers of knowledge alike. His legacy lives on, not only in the ancient temples of Egypt but also in the philosophies and mystical traditions that still inspire humanity today.
