As an expert in ancient Egyptian mythology, I can provide an insightful perspective on the question of Thoth's parentage. Thoth is a prominent figure in Egyptian cosmology, known as the god of wisdom, writing, and the moon. He is often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon, holding a reed pen and a scroll, which symbolize his association with writing and knowledge. Thoth is also associated with the moon disk, papyrus scroll, reed pens, writing palette, and stylus, which all highlight his role as a scribe and a divine scribe of the gods.
Thoth's consort is Seshat, the goddess of writing, architecture, and mathematics, and sometimes also with Ma'at, the goddess of truth, justice, and order. In some accounts, Thoth is said to have offspring, with Seshat being mentioned as his child in certain texts. Thoth's parents, however, are a subject of debate and vary according to different myths and sources.
In some versions of the myth, Thoth is considered to be
self-created, which means he does not have parents and was born from himself. This concept aligns with the idea of Thoth as a god of knowledge and wisdom, suggesting that he is a self-sufficient and eternal being. As the divine scribe, he is often portrayed as the one who records the deeds of the gods and humans, and being self-created could symbolize his role as the ultimate authority and the origin of all knowledge.
Alternatively, Thoth is sometimes said to be the son of
Neith, an ancient goddess who is also associated with wisdom and warfare. Neith is often depicted with a shield and a pair of crossed arrows, and she is considered the protector of the home and the city of Sais, which was her primary cult center. If Thoth is Neith's son, this connection emphasizes the theme of wisdom and the intellectual prowess that both deities share.
Another myth suggests that Thoth is the son of
Ra, the sun god and the supreme deity in the Egyptian pantheon. Ra is associated with creation, the sun, and the order of the universe. As Ra's son, Thoth would be closely linked to the divine order and the cosmic balance, which is maintained by Ma'at. This lineage would place Thoth in a position of great importance, as he would be directly descended from the creator of all things.
Lastly, there is a version of the myth where Thoth is the son of
Horus and Hathor. Horus is the god of the sky and the protector of the pharaoh, while Hathor is the goddess of love, motherhood, and music. If Thoth were their son, this would associate him with the royal and divine family, further enhancing his status as a god of wisdom and writing.
In conclusion, the parentage of Thoth is not definitively established in Egyptian mythology, and it varies across different sources. Whether he is self-created, the son of Neith, Ra, or Horus and Hathor, each version of the myth serves to emphasize Thoth's role as a god of wisdom, writing, and the divine scribe. His parentage, or lack thereof, is a testament to the complexity and richness of ancient Egyptian cosmology and the many layers of meaning that are woven into their religious beliefs and practices.
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