Thoth and Hermes are two of the most renowned mythological figures from ancient Egypt and Greece, respectively. They share many similarities, including their association with wisdom, writing, and communication.
In fact, these two gods are often considered to be equivalent in their respective mythologies. But how exactly are Thoth and Hermes related? Let’s explore their stories and find out.
The Origins of Thoth
Thoth is an ancient Egyptian god who was worshipped for thousands of years. He was believed to be the inventor of writing and the patron of scribes, as well as a mediator between the gods and humans.
Thoth was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis bird or sometimes a baboon. This unique appearance represented his ability to see things from different perspectives.
The Origins of Hermes
Hermes is a Greek god who was also worshipped for many centuries. He was known as the messenger of the gods and was associated with commerce, thievery, and trickery. Hermes was often depicted as a young man wearing winged sandals or a winged cap, which allowed him to travel quickly between worlds.
The Similarities Between Thoth and Hermes
Despite coming from different cultures, Thoth and Hermes share many similarities in their roles and attributes. Both were associated with writing, communication, magic, and knowledge. They were also both seen as mediators between humans and gods.
In addition to these similarities, Thoth and Hermes were both believed to have invented important tools that changed human civilization forever. For Thoth, it was hieroglyphic writing that allowed for written language in ancient Egypt. For Hermes, it was the lyre musical instrument that brought music into human society.
The Connection Between Thoth and Hermes
The connection between Thoth and Hermes is not just based on their shared attributes and inventions. In fact, many scholars believe that Hermes was actually based on Thoth, or at least inspired by him. This theory is supported by the fact that the Greeks were heavily influenced by Egyptian culture, and they often adopted Egyptian gods into their own pantheon.
One piece of evidence for this connection is the similarity between Thoth’s ibis head and Hermes’ winged cap. Both of these symbols represent the ability to travel between worlds and communicate with divine beings. Additionally, both Thoth and Hermes were associated with psychopompic duties, meaning they guided souls to the afterlife.
Conclusion
Thoth and Hermes are two fascinating mythological figures who share many similarities in their roles, attributes, and inventions. While it’s difficult to say for sure whether Hermes was based on Thoth or not, there is certainly a strong connection between these two gods. Whether you are interested in ancient Egyptian or Greek mythology, learning more about Thoth and Hermes can provide valuable insights into the ancient world’s beliefs about writing, communication, and knowledge.