Ta'wy

Tag: Thoth

  • Prayer to Thoth for Skill in Writing

    Prayer to Thoth for Skill in Writing

    The prayer to the god Thoth for skill in writing, known as Papyrus Anastasi V, is inscribed in Hieratic on papyrus, dated to c. 1150, toward the end of the New Kingdom.

    Uncovered at Thebes, before c. 1830 CE, it was purchased by the British Museum in 1839 from the collector Giovanni Anastasi.

    A young scribe authors the papyrus as a petition to the god of writing. The scribe observes the god’s wisdom through the Council of Thirty, a significant Judicial body that oversees regional issues. He longs for Hermopolis, his patron city, and it declares that he is the dispatch-writer of the Ennead, the great nine gods created by Ra-Atum – Shu, Tafanat, Nuit, Gab, Osiris, Horus, Seth, Isis, and Nephthys. Two gods are evoked as companions of Thoth. Shay is the embodiment of Fate or Destiny, who determines the length of a person’s life and remains at their side until their final judgment by Osiris after death. His consort, with Thoth, is Renenutet, a cobra goddess from Lower Egypt, a goddess of good fortune who gives a person their secret name at birth. The prayer to Thoth is performed by melodic recitation to give power of words as utterance.

    References

    Ashworth, G. (2012). Ibis Coffin (Thoth). Photograph, New York. Brooklyn Museum

    Dodson, A. (2006). Ancient egypt: Pyramids and hieroglyphs: Enduring symbols of a great civilization. New Holland Publ. https://amzn.to/3RRB78G

    Faulkner, R. O., Wasserman, J., Goelet, O., & Dassow, E. V. (2008). The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by day: Being the papyrus of ani (royal scribe of the Divine Offerings), written and illustrated circa 1250 B.C.E., by scribes and artists unknown, including the balance of chapters of the books of the dead known as the Theban recension, compiled from ancient texts, dating back to the roots of Egyptian civilization. Chronicle Books. https://amzn.to/3OhiE2A

    McCoy, P. A. (2022). Baboon Votive. photograph, New York.

    Faience. Late Period to Ptolemaic Period Dynasty 26, or later, c. 664-30 BCE. Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 36.838.

    McCoy, P. A. (2022). Thoth on the Cartonnage Sarcophagus of Nespanetjerenpare, Verso. photograph, New York.

    Dynasty 22 to Early Dynasty 25, c. 948-718 BCE. Charles Edwin Wilbur Fund, 35.1265

    Oakes, L. (2014). Sacred sites of ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Guide to the temples, Tombs, and pyramids. Southwater Pub, an imprint of Anness Publishing Ltd. https://amzn.to/3zo5Xio

    Oakes, L., Gahlin, L., & Oakes, L. (2010). Ancient Egypt: An illustrated reference to the myths, religions, pyramids, and temples of the land of the pharaohs. Hermes House is an imprint of Anness Publishing Ltd.

    Silverman, D. P. (1997). Ancient Egypt. Duncan Baird.

    Stierlin, H. (2007). The pharaohs: Master builders. Terrail.

    Strudwick, H. M. (2016). Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt. Amber Books Ltd.

    Wilkinson, R. H. (2000). The complete temples of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson.

    Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The complete gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson.

  • Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: Days Above the Year

    Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: Days Above the Year

    In this episode, we look at the hrw Hryw rnpt, the “Days Above the Year” in the ancient Egyptian calendar. These five added days — created through the wisdom of Thoth — made room for the births of the children of Nut and Geb. They sit outside the normal 360‑day year and mark one of the most important mythological moments in Egyptian timekeeping.

  • Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: Introduction to the Ancient Egyptian Calendar

    Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: Introduction to the Ancient Egyptian Calendar

    In the introduction to the ancient Egyptian calendar, you discover the several calendars used by the ancient Egyptians and the celestial or seasonal events that synchronize them. Topics covered include the lunar, solar, cosmic, and regnal calendars, as well as the so-called horoscope calendar of lucky and unlucky days. It provides an in-depth overview of the Egyptian religious and civil calendars, their structure, significance, and associated festivities. The episode explores the Sothic Cycle, an ancient Egyptian astronomical system used to track time based on the heliacal rising of the star Sirius (Sothis). ​

    The episode explores the connection between the Egyptian calendar and astronomical phenomena, particularly the heliacal rising of Sirius. ​ It discusses the Egyptian year, which consisted of 365 days and receded one day every four years compared to the Julian year, forming a cycle of 1461 years known as the Sothic cycle. ​ The author examines historical records, inscriptions, and calculations to analyze the alignment of the Egyptian calendar with the rising of Sirius and the implications for dating events.

    The ancient Egyptian calendar evolved from natural observations to a fixed system, reflecting both practical needs and cultural traditions. ​ Its endurance highlights the interplay between astronomy, agriculture, and societal organization in ancient Egypt. ​

    Ta'wy Podcast Channel
    Ta’wy Podcast Channel
    Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: Introduction to the Ancient Egyptian Calendar
    Loading
    /
  • Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt – Judgment of Horus and Seth

    Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt – Judgment of Horus and Seth

    The Judgment of Horus and Seth, also known as the Contendings of Horus and Seth, is an ancient Egyptian myth that recounts the story of the gods’ struggle for the throne of Egypt following the death of Osiris. The conflict between Horus, Osiris’ son, and Seth, Osiris’ brother, lasted for decades and involved numerous trials and contests to determine who was the rightful ruler.

    Key Events

    • After Seth murdered Osiris, Horus claimed the throne as his birthright, but Seth argued that he was stronger and more capable of ruling.
    • The gods of the Ennead, led by Ra, acted as judges in the dispute.
    • Horus and Seth engaged in various competitions, including boat races, wrestling matches, and magical duels.
    • At one point, Seth attempted to humiliate Horus by assaulting him, but Horus’ mother, Isis, intervened.
    • The gods debated for years, with some supporting Seth and others favoring Horus.
    • Eventually, Osiris himself intervened from the afterlife, demanding justice for his son.
    • The gods finally ruled in favor of Horus, declaring him the rightful king of Egypt.

    This myth was significant in Egyptian culture because it reinforced the idea of divine kingship, legitimizing the rule of pharaohs as descendants of Horus. It also symbolized the eternal struggle between order (Ma’at) and chaos, with Horus representing stability and Seth embodying disorder.

    Ta'wy Podcast Channel
    Ta’wy Podcast Channel
    Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt – Judgment of Horus and Seth
    Loading
    /
  • Gods of Ancient Egypt – Ra

    Gods of Ancient Egypt – Ra

    The document provides an extensive overview of Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, highlighting his significance, mythology, and worship. ​ Ra is described as a transcendent deity often syncretized with other gods, such as Atum, Khnum, Amun, and Horus, representing different aspects of creation and the sun’s cycle (morning, midday, and evening). ​ His mythos includes his role as the creator, his struggles against adversaries like Apep in the underworld, and his interactions with other gods, such as Isis, who gained his secret name to save him from venom. Ra’s worship dates back to the Second Dynasty and peaked during the Old Kingdom, where rulers were considered “Sons of Ra” and temples with obelisks symbolized his power. ​

    Ra’s myths include the Bennu bird, akin to the phoenix, symbolizing creation and renewal. ​ He is depicted as a falcon-headed man with a sun disc and cobra headdress, traveling in his night boat through the underworld. ​ His eye, represented by Hathor and Sekhmet, is a powerful force used to punish humanity. ​ Ra’s daily journey across the sky and his role in creation are celebrated in hymns, emphasizing his perfection, radiance, and eternal labor. ​

    Ta'wy Podcast Channel
    Ta’wy Podcast Channel
    Gods of Ancient Egypt – Ra
    Loading
    /
  • Ancient Egyptian Literature – Pharaoh Khufu and the Tales of the Haka’ayu-Magicians

    Ancient Egyptian Literature – Pharaoh Khufu and the Tales of the Haka’ayu-Magicians

    A dramatic retelling of the fourth story of the Westcar Papyrus is told by Hardedef, son of Khufu, and takes place during Khufu’s reign. Hardedef tells his father about a magician named Dedi, who possesses incredible abilities—he can reattach a severed head onto an animal and tame a wild lion. He also claims that Dedi has knowledge about the Temple of Thoth.

    Intrigued, Khufu orders Hardedef to bring Dedi to his court. When asked to demonstrate his magic, Dedi refuses to perform on a human but agrees to sever and reattach the heads of a goose, a waterfowl, and an ox. Khufu then asks Dedi about the Temple of Thoth, hoping to learn its secrets, but Dedi reveals that while he does not know the number of rooms in the temple, he knows its location. However, he refuses to share further details, stating that the one destined to access the temple is the firstborn of three future pharaohs—Userkaf, the first king of the Fifth Dynasty, who will be born to Reddjedet, the wife of a priest of Ra.

    This story serves as a prophecy establishing the legitimacy of Userkaf, Sahure, and Neferirkara Kakai, contrasting their pious rule with Khufu’s reputation for impiety. Some scholars interpret the tale as a morality story, suggesting that Khufu’s pursuit of forbidden knowledge contributed to the downfall of his dynasty.

    Ta'wy Podcast Channel
    Ta’wy Podcast Channel
    Ancient Egyptian Literature – Pharaoh Khufu and the Tales of the Haka’ayu-Magicians
    Loading
    /
  • Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Thutmose III

    Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Thutmose III

    The episode is about Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, focusing on his life, military achievements, and legacy. ​
    Key Points:

    Introduction: The speech begins with an Ancient Egyptian greeting and introduces Thutmose III, emphasizing his significance as a military strategist who restored Egypt’s empire after a period of weakness under his predecessors. ​

    Early Life and Co-Regency with Hatshepsut: Thutmose III’s father died when he was young, leading to his half-sister Hatshepsut becoming regent. ​ She later crowned herself Pharaoh, sidelining Thutmose. ​ While Hatshepsut focused on building projects and propaganda, Thutmose prepared himself as a military commander. ​

    Military Campaigns: After Hatshepsut’s death, Thutmose III emerged as a warrior Pharaoh, leading campaigns to expand Egypt’s borders. ​ His most notable victory was the conquest of Megiddo, achieved through brilliant strategy and military prowess. ​

    Triumphant Return and Legacy: Thutmose III celebrated his victories by commissioning monuments and securing his empire through annual marches, hostage diplomacy, and appointing his son Amenhotep II as co-regent. ​ He also erased Hatshepsut’s legacy to ensure his progeny’s succession. ​

    Conclusion: The speech highlights Thutmose III’s role in protecting and expanding Egypt, enabling the construction of its iconic monuments. ​

    Sources:
    The episode references multiple historical texts, including works by Elizabeth Ann Payne, Robert B. Partridge, Mark Healy, and others, to support its claims. ​

    Ta'wy Podcast Channel
    Ta’wy Podcast Channel
    Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Thutmose III
    Loading
    /