In
Thoth: The History of the Ancient Egyptian God of Wisdom
, author and researcher
Lesley Jackson
presents a comprehensive and wide-ranging study of this unique god spanning six millennia. Drawing on the latest archaeological and textual research, from magical papyri and stelae to statues and wall carvings, the author investigates Thoth's diverse functions. These include Thoth's well-known roles as a god of writing, magic and wisdom, as well as his status as a creator god, judge, healer, psychopomp, reckoner of time and lunar god.
Developing from pre-dynastic origins, the worship of Thoth is explored through the different Egyptian social classes from peasant to Pharaoh, and placed in the context of ancient Egyptian rituals and festivals; as is the later syncretisation of Thoth with the Greco-Egyptian figure of Hermes Trismegistus. In so doing the author demonstrates the pivotal role that the ibis-headed god fulfilled in many of the Egyptian myths and his functions within the three main Egyptian theologies - i.e. Heliopolitan, Hermopolitan and Memphite.
The names, animals and symbols of Thoth, lord of ritual and of words, are all considered, and further reveal his complex nature, which is also viewed through the web of connections between Thoth and the numerous other Egyptian gods. Particular attention is given to his consorts, the goddesses Maat, Seshat and Nehmataway, and the implications of their relationships.
This extensive and detailed work is supplemented with ancient hymns to Thoth and a survey of temples associated with him. Long overdue,
is an unmissable work on this most enduring of gods.