Thoth

Thoth, also known by the Egyptian name Djehuty, is an ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, science, magic, and the moon. The name means "he who is like the ibis," and he is commonly depicted as an ibis-headed man or as a baboon, a symbol of wisdom. He is regarded as the scribe of the gods and credited with inventing writing and hieroglyphs.

As patron of scribes and learning, Thoth is associated with measurement, timekeeping, and the lunar calendar. In various myths he helps maintain cosmic order (Ma'at), oversees magical texts, and provides counsel to gods and humans in matters of knowledge and law.

Iconography: Thoth is shown with the head of an ibis or as a baboon; he may hold a writing palette, stylus, or scribe's tray; he is sometimes depicted with the crescent moon and a lunar disk to reflect his connection to the moon.

Mythology: In the myth of the weighing of the heart, Thoth records the outcome and serves as a mediator among the gods; he is also associated with the creation of writing and with spells in the Book of the Dead. He plays a role in various creation myths and acts as a divine mediator and counsellor.

Legacy: In the Hellenistic period, Thoth was identified with Hermes, producing the syncretic figure Hermes Trismegistus and contributing to the Hermetic tradition that influenced later Western alchemy, astrology, and philosophy. In modern times, Thoth remains a symbol of writing, knowledge, and wisdom in Egyptology and popular culture.