Who Is Hermes in Egypt?

Hermes is a Greek god who is often associated with the ancient Egyptian god Thoth. In Egyptian mythology, Thoth was the god of knowledge, writing, and wisdom. He was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or baboon.

Thoth was the patron of scribes and was believed to have invented writing and hieroglyphics. He was also associated with the moon, which played an important role in Egyptian religion and culture.

The Greeks identified Thoth with their own god Hermes, who was also known as the messenger of the gods. Hermes was associated with commerce, invention, and cunning. He was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat, symbolizing his speed and agility.

Hermes was also known for his role as the guide of souls to the underworld in Greek mythology. This role may have been influenced by his association with Thoth, who was believed to have helped Osiris navigate through the afterlife.

In ancient Egypt, Thoth was worshipped in many different forms across different regions of the country. He was often depicted holding a papyrus scroll or a writing palette, symbolizing his connection to knowledge and writing.

Thoth’s influence can still be seen today in modern Western culture. The word “thot” is derived from his name and is used to refer to someone who is considered promiscuous or sexually explicit. However, this usage has little to do with Thoth’s original meaning or significance in ancient Egyptian religion.

Overall, Hermes’ association with Thoth highlights the importance of cross-cultural influences in mythology and religion. The similarities between these two gods demonstrate how ideas can be shared and adapted across different cultures over time.