Story Summary
Discover how the clever god Thoth won five extra days from the moon in the classic myth Thoth and the Moon, allowing the birth of the great Egyptian deities.
In the early days of the world, the sky goddess Nut and the earth god Geb fell in love. However, the sun god Ra, fearing their offspring would one day usurp his throne, placed a curse upon Nut: she could not give birth on any day of any year. At that time, the calendar consisted of only 360 days. Desperate, Nut sought the counsel of Thoth, the wise god of knowledge. Thoth devised a brilliant plan and approached Khonsu, the moon god, challenging him to a game of Senet. For every round Thoth won, Khonsu wagered a portion of his own moonlight. Thoth’s strategic mind was unmatched, and he won enough light to create five brand-new days. Because these days did not belong to the original 360-day calendar, Ra’s curse did not apply to them. During these five added days, Nut gave birth to five great deities: Osiris, Horus the Elder, Set, Isis, and Nephthys. Ever since, the moon has waxed and waned, forever missing the light Thoth won to complete the year.
The Moral
Wisdom and strategic thinking can navigate even the most restrictive obstacles when brute force fails.
“Wisdom finds a way where the sun cannot shine.”
Fun Fact
The five extra days created by Thoth are historically called 'epagomenal days' and were considered a time of great celebration and spiritual transition in ancient Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Thoth and the Moon?
The moral is that intelligence and creative problem-solving can overcome seemingly impossible decrees. Thoth used his wits to find a loophole in a curse that strength alone could not break.
Why did Ra curse Nut in Egyptian mythology?
Ra feared that Nut's children would eventually overthrow him and take control of the heavens. To prevent this, he decreed she could not give birth on any day of the 360-day year.
How many days did Thoth win from the moon?
Thoth won enough moonlight to create five extra days, extending the year to 365 days. These became known as the epagomenal days, which sat outside the standard calendar months.
Which gods were born during the extra five days?
The five deities born during these days were Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and Horus the Elder. These gods became central figures in the most famous Egyptian myths and religious practices.
Why does the moon change phases according to this myth?
The myth explains that the moon waxes and wanes because Khonsu lost a fraction of his light to Thoth. This light was used to create the extra days, leaving the moon incomplete at times.
What game did Thoth play with the moon god?
Thoth played Senet, an ancient Egyptian board game that was highly symbolic of fate and the journey through the afterlife. It required both luck and high-level strategy.