How Many Books Did Hermes Trismegistus Write?

Hermes Trismegistus is considered one of the most important figures in ancient wisdom. He is known for his teachings in philosophy, astrology, alchemy, and spirituality.

Many people wonder how many books he wrote and what their content was. Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

The Legend of Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus was a legendary figure who lived during the time of Ancient Egypt. He was revered by the Egyptians as a god of wisdom and knowledge. The name “Trismegistus” means “Thrice-Great” in Greek, which indicates his great knowledge and wisdom.

According to legend, Hermes Trismegistus wrote several books on various subjects, including alchemy, astrology, theology, and philosophy. These books were said to contain secret knowledge that could unlock the mysteries of the universe.

The Corpus Hermeticum

The most famous collection of writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus is known as the Corpus Hermeticum. This collection consists of 17 treatises that were written in Greek between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.

The Corpus Hermeticum covers a wide range of topics such as the nature of God, the creation of the universe, human consciousness, and the soul’s journey after death. It also contains practical information on alchemy and astrology.

Other Works Attributed to Hermes Trismegistus

Apart from the Corpus Hermeticum, there are other works attributed to Hermes Trismegistus that have survived over time. Some of these works include:

  • The Emerald Tablet – A short text that summarizes Hermetic philosophy.
  • The Asclepius – A dialogue between Hermes Trismegistus and Asclepius about God’s nature.
  • The Perfect Sermon – A text that discusses the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
  • The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius – A treatise that explains various philosophical concepts.

Conclusion

Hermes Trismegistus is considered one of the most important figures in ancient wisdom. Although it is not clear how many books he wrote, his teachings have been passed down through various texts attributed to him.

The Corpus Hermeticum is the most famous collection of these texts and covers a wide range of topics related to philosophy, astrology, alchemy, and spirituality. These works have continued to inspire people for centuries and will likely continue to do so for many more.