Hermes, the Greek god of trade, commerce, and travelers, is known for his agility, swiftness, and cunning. He is also famously known as the messenger of the gods.
But did you know that Hermes was also a prolific writer? Let’s explore what Hermes wrote and why it’s important.
What Did Hermes Write?
As per Greek mythology, Hermes invented writing and passed on this knowledge to humans. He was believed to have written on various subjects such as astrology, alchemy, medicine, philosophy, and magic. However, none of his original writings have been discovered or survived.
But we do have ancient texts that mention Hermes’ writings. The Corpus Hermeticum is a collection of philosophical texts that were attributed to Hermes Trismegistus – a combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. These texts are believed to be written during the Hellenistic period (323 BCE – 31 BCE) in Egypt.
The Corpus Hermeticum consists of seventeen treatises that cover a range of subjects such as cosmology, theology, astrology, alchemy, magic, and philosophy. The texts are written in Greek and reveal a fusion of Greek and Egyptian thought.
Why Is It Important?
The Corpus Hermeticum had a significant influence on Renaissance thinkers in Europe during the 15th century. It inspired scholars such as Marsilio Ficino to translate the texts into Latin and integrate them into their own philosophies.
The Hermetic philosophy emphasizes spiritual development through knowledge and understanding of the universe. It views God as an all-encompassing presence rather than a personal deity. This concept was revolutionary at the time as it challenged traditional religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the Corpus Hermeticum influenced various movements such as Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, and Theosophy. These movements sought to uncover hidden knowledge and esoteric wisdom through the study of ancient texts.
In conclusion, Hermes’ writings may be lost to time, but their influence is still felt today. The Corpus Hermeticum is a testament to the enduring power of ideas and their ability to shape human thought and culture.