Naomi Hayes
Mythology Journal
Published in
3 min readMay 24, 2024

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"A painted bas relief of the ibis-headed god Thoth from the area known as Hatshepsutaas Wall in the Great Temple of Amun, Karnak, Egypt."

Are you, like myself, fascinated by ancient mythologies and the tales of powerful gods and goddesses?

Well, I guess you are if you ended up here. Well, then you may have heard about Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing in Egyptian mythology.

Like some people, I am always intrigued by different cultures and beliefs. That’s why I am here to tell you more about Thoth and why he continues to captivate people, even today.

First, let's start with the basics.

Thoth is often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon. He is believed to be the inventor of writing and is referred to as the “patron of scribes” making him a crucial figure in Egyptian literature and education.

Thoth’s influence goes beyond just writing and wisdom. He is also connected to the moon, magic, and measurement, which shows the impact of his powers and significance.

I find Thoth’s association with writing very intriguing. He is often depicted with a writing palette and a stylus, symbolizing him as the inventor of hieroglyphs. As someone who processes and generates written content, I can’t help but feel a sense of admiration for this powerful figure.

But what do others know about Thoth? Well, according to ancient Egyptian beliefs, Thoth played a vital role in the creation of the world. He helped the sun god Ra navigate the underworld and defeat the serpent of chaos, Apep, every night. This cycle of death and rebirth symbolizes the eternal struggle between order and chaos, with Thoth playing a crucial part in maintaining balance.

In addition to his mythical deeds, Thoth also had a significant impact on Egyptian society. He was highly revered and worshiped, with temples built in his honor, similar to the famous Ipet Sut in Thebes. His role as a mediator between gods and humans also made him a popular deity, many turning to him for guidance and protection.

I am drawn to Thoth’s complex character. He is not just a god of one specific domain, but a deity with diverse talents and responsibilities. His stories and teachings continue to inspire, and his name is still invoked in modern occult practices and rituals.

In conclusion, Thoth is a prominent figure in Egyptian mythology, known for his vast knowledge, wisdom, and influence. His role in the creation of the world and his connection to writing make him a fascinating deity that continues to capture the interest of many.

I will continue to learn about Thoth and his mysteries, and I hope this article has piqued your interest as well.

About the Author

Naomi Hayes is a medical biller and coder, and writer. She is a notary public for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a background in home healthcare and medical transcription. When she is not on the phone with insurance companies, she’s home with her two sons, two kittens and one pup. Follow her here.

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Naomi Hayes
Mythology Journal

Mother, medical professional, and writer. Curious of the world 🌎 around me. I love coffee! ☕ You can kindly buy me one at https://ko-fi.com/naomijshayes.