Significance of Thoth

Thoth, an important Egyptian deity, embodies wisdom, writing, and knowledge. Depicted as ibis-headed or a baboon, Thoth is the scribe of the gods, associated with Hermopolis and divine wisdom. He holds immense power, including repelling entities and influencing creation. Thoth is a chronographer, protects Ra's boat, and helps the deceased. As the Chief of Maat, Thoth guides Isis and punishes sinners, playing a vital role in maintaining cosmic order and justice.

Synonyms: Hermes, Mercury, Scribe, Writer, God of knowledge, God of wisdom, Tehuti

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Thoth'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Thoth in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Thoth, the scribe of the gods, introduces Ani to three gods with animal heads, symbolizing his role in recording and presenting individuals to the divine.[1] (2) This entity shields the body altogether, making it like Ra every day, indicating divine protection and transformation through association with a powerful deity.[2] (3) This is a deity, ibis-headed, seated on a pylon-shaped pedestal, painting a large feather emblematic of Maat. It is associated with wisdom and writing.[3] (4) Thoth is a god depicted with an ankh, symbolizing "life," and is revered for his might, with individuals seeking his favor and acknowledging his decrees.[4] (5) Thoth is a deity endowed by the scribe Ani in the House of the Moon-god, specifically with what is needed for the festival of the fifteenth day.[5]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Thoth is described as a great god and the Chief of Maat in both heaven and on the earth, offering guidance to Isis.[6] (2) Thoth is asked to come to the speaker and turn back Neta-ter, suggesting Thoth has the power to repel certain entities.[7] (3) Thoth, referred to as the Twice Great and Lord of Khemenu, is associated with the nose of the Cat, symbolizing his role in putting breath into the nostrils of every person.[8] (4) It is a being who spoke to Ra about Behutet returning in the form of the great Winged Disk, shining with many colours. He declared that the city Teb shall be called the city of Heru-Behutet.[9] (5) Thoth is a god who is called upon by the Majesty of this god to help create light and punish iniquity.[10]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) Thoth issued commands concerning the creation of the universe, and Ptah was the fellow-worker with Khnemu in carrying into effect the commands.[11] (2) Thoth is an Egyptian deity associated with wisdom, writing, and knowledge, serving as a scribe and advisor to the gods, often depicted with the head of an ibis or a baboon.[12] (3) A deity who is assistant chronographer and chronologist, associated with a female counterpart that holds a notched palm branch.[13] (4) Thoth, also known as Tehuti, is a deity in ancient Egyptian religion who is associated with writing, wisdom, and the moon, often depicted with the head of an ibis.[14] (5) Thoth is commanded by Ra to give the order that Seb should come into his presence and is later ordered to depart from heaven and create a thing of light in the Tuat and Land of Babat.[15]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) This entity exalteth a deity's two eyes when the deity overthroweth his enemies at dawn and setteth in his splendour.[16] (2) A god that Rensi is described as the second of, who judgeth impartially, urging him to allow a man to appeal to him in respect of his cause which is righteous.[17] (3) He was asked to prepare spells and words of power to overcome snakes and serpents, and was appointed to rule the Tuat and the Land of the Caves.[18] (4) The text mentions Thoth, the great Recorder of Egypt, being satisfied with the deceased's veracity, indicating his role as a judge of truth.[19] (5) The god believed to have invented writing, numbers, and astronomy, and was considered the lord of wisdom and chief judge of the dead.[20]

From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt

(1) This is the divine scribe, who presides over the weighing, pen and writing palette in hand, that he may record the result.[21] (2) Thoth is a deity who hastens to the west with words about King Unis, emphasizing his imperishable spirit and power over hearts.[22] (3) Thoth turns back the followers of Set before Osiris and also heals the eye of Horus after the battle with Set.[23]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) Thoth carries out the operation of weighing the heart of the deceased in the balance against the feather symbolic of Maat or righteousness, and he also serves as the standard of the balance in the JUDGMENT HALL of OSIRIS.[24] (2) This entity is specially noted, positioned above whose outstretched hands is the Eye, which is identified with SEKRI, playing a role in the events.[25] (3) This is the scribe of the gods, who is seen noting the result of the weighing in the Judgment Scene.[26]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) Thoth is a god, considered the scribe of the gods, lord of writing, and master of papyrus, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the deceased's spirit enters the boat of Râ each day.[27] (2) Thoth is a god who, according to the text of the CLXth Chapter, puts the amulet into the hands of the deceased.[28]

From: The Book of Am-Tuat

(1) Thoth, depicted as a man with the head of a cynocephalus ape, is a god seated on a throne, bearing the name TEHUTI-KHENTI-NEB-TUAT, and appearing in front of the Sun-god's boat.[29] (2) Thoth is ibis-headed and standing facing Horus, hawk-headed, with the UTCHAT, above their outstretched hands and arms in the FOURTH DIVISION of the Tuat.[30]

From: Popular Literature in Ancient Egypt

(1) Thoth is the god of wisdom whose magic book contains spells of immense power, sought after by Setna, as described in the document, emphasizing the deity's role as the source of magical knowledge.[31]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Thoth in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings

(1) Thoth is a deity that advances with his KA and is purified with natron, suggesting a role in purification and advancement in the presented text.[32] (2) This is a deity who returns bringing the Eye of Horus and is also known as the "Heart of Ra", giving back the soul to the deceased.[33] (3) A deity mentioned in the pronouncements of the Kher heb, said to advance with their spiritual essence, the KA, as part of the ceremony.[34] (4) A figure often depicted as an ibis-headed man, known for carrying the Eye of Horus. He is associated with restoring it and appears before an individual in his hands.[35] (5) One of the deities for whom a ball of incense is offered by the SEM priest during the purification ceremony, as stated by the Kher heb.[36]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.