Who Tricked Sekhmet? Ra, Not Thoth

In the **"Myth of the Destruction of Mankind"** (New Kingdom, *Book of the Heavenly Cow*), it is **Ra (Re)**, the Sun God, who tricks **Sekhmet** — **not Thoth**.

The Story

1. Rebellion: Humanity plots against aging Ra.
2. Punishment: Ra sends his **Eye** — the goddess **Hathor**, who transforms into the **lioness Sekhmet** — to slaughter rebels.
3. Excess: Sekhmet's bloodlust rages **uncontrollably**; she threatens to **exterminate all humanity**, disrupting Ma'at (cosmic order).
4. Ra's Remorse & Plan: Ra **orders 7,000 jars of beer** mixed with **red ochre (hematite) / pomegranate juice** to resemble blood.
5. The Trick: Poured over fields at **Dendera (or Heliopolis)**. Sekhmet drinks deeply, believing it's blood.
6. Result: She becomes **drunk, passes out, transforms back into gentle Hathor**. Humanity spared.

Thoth's Role

Thoth (Djehuty) — god of wisdom, writing, magic — **assists Ra** in other myths (e.g., healing Horus's eye, judging the dead, inventing calendar). In *some* later variants, Thoth may help *prepare* the mixture, but **the stratagem is Ra's, the order is Ra's, the victory is Ra's**.

Core Theme:** The **supreme deity restrains his own destructive power** to preserve creation. Sekhmet becomes Hathor — **destruction → nurture**.