A patron of learning and invention, Thoth was the chief god of the city of Khmun and a divine scribe. He served as a loyal advocate and supporter of Osiris, defending him against charges by Set, helping Isis resurrect him as lord of the underworld, helping to keep Horus hidden from Set until the son reached adulthood, and then helping Horus regain his inheritance. Thoth then assisted Osiris by recording the past deeds of all who sought to enter the Underworld. He read the scales when the hearts of those seeking entrance were weighed versus the feather of truth. Thoth grew in importance as people sought his help in proving their innocence at judgment time. The priests of Thoth enhanced his reputation as a magician and claimed he had access to spells that gave him domination over the natural world and the gods themselves. Thoth is usually depicted with the head of an ibis or baboon.

"Thereupon shall come Thoth, who is equipped with words of power in great abundance, and shall untie the fetters, even the fetters of the god Set which are over my mouth."

-- From the Papyrus of Ani