Thoth [key], in Egyptian religion, god of wisdom and magic. A patron of learning and of the arts, he was credited with many inventions, including writing, geometry, and astronomy. Perhaps originally a moon god, Thoth was also a messenger and scribe for the gods. He was identified by the Greeks with Hermes and as such was specifically named Hermes Trismegistus (see Hermetic books). He was variously represented as an ibis, as an ibis-headed man, or as a baboon.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Ancient Religion
