Have you ever heard the name Thoth? If yes, then you must have come across the name Hermes too.
Wondering why these two names are often mentioned together? Let’s discuss how Hermes is related to Thoth.
Who is Thoth?
Thoth is an ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. He was also known as the god of magic and measurement. In Egyptian mythology, Thoth was depicted with the head of an ibis bird, which symbolized his association with wisdom.
Who is Hermes?
Hermes is a Greek god who was considered as the messenger of gods in Greek mythology. He was also known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes. Hermes was depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat that gave him great speed.
How are Thoth and Hermes related?
The ancient Greeks identified Thoth with their own god Hermes. They believed that both gods shared similar characteristics such as being messengers of gods and patrons of knowledge. It’s important to note that this identification may have been influenced by cultural exchange between Egypt and Greece.
The Hermetic Tradition
The identification of Thoth with Hermes gave rise to a philosophical tradition known as Hermeticism or the Hermetic tradition. This tradition was based on a set of writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus (meaning “Thrice-Great Hermes”), which were believed to contain esoteric knowledge about the nature of reality.
The Hermetic tradition had a significant impact on Western thought during the Renaissance period. Many Renaissance scholars were influenced by Hermetic writings and incorporated their ideas into their own work.
The Caduceus
Another connection between Thoth and Hermes can be seen in their association with the caduceus – a staff entwined by two serpents. In Greek mythology, Hermes carried the caduceus as a symbol of his role as a messenger of gods. Similarly, in Egyptian mythology, Thoth was depicted holding a similar staff known as the rod of Asclepius.
In modern times, the caduceus has become a symbol of medicine and is often used as an emblem by medical organizations. However, it’s worth noting that this association is actually incorrect – the rod of Asclepius (a staff with a single serpent) is the correct symbol for medicine.
Conclusion
In summary, Thoth and Hermes are two ancient gods who were identified with each other by the ancient Greeks. This identification gave rise to the Hermetic tradition and influenced Western thought during the Renaissance period.
The caduceus is another symbol that connects these two gods. While they may have different origins and characteristics, their association has had a significant impact on human history and culture.