Hermes, the ancient Greek god of commerce, communication, and travelers, was also revered in Egypt as a deity with a different set of roles and attributes. In Egyptian mythology, Hermes was known as Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing, and magic. He was believed to be the inventor of hieroglyphs and the patron of scribes.
Thoth – The Creator God
According to Egyptian mythology, Thoth was one of the eight deities who created the world. He emerged from the primordial waters of Nun and created everything by speaking it into existence. He was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon.
The God of Writing
Thoth was considered to be the patron god of writing and knowledge. He was believed to have given humanity the gift of language and invented hieroglyphs. Egyptians believed that he wrote books that contained all knowledge in existence.
The Scribe’s Patron
Since Thoth was associated with writing, he became the patron god for scribes in ancient Egypt. Scribes were essential members of society who recorded information such as legal documents, religious texts, and royal decrees. They were responsible for maintaining records that were crucial in running an organized society.
Thoth – The Judge
Another attribute associated with Thoth was his role as a judge who presided over the afterlife. According to Egyptian mythology, when a person died, their heart would be weighed against a feather on a scale called Ma’at. If their heart was lighter than Ma’at’s feather, they would be allowed to enter into paradise.
The God of Magic
In addition to his role as a judge and patron god for scribes, Thoth was also considered to be one of the most powerful gods when it came to magic. Egyptians believed that he was capable of performing incredible feats of magic, such as healing the sick and even resurrecting the dead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes was known as Thoth in Egypt and was revered for his role as the god of wisdom, writing, and magic. He was believed to be the inventor of hieroglyphs and the patron god for scribes.
Additionally, he played a role in judging the souls of the dead and was considered to be one of the most powerful gods when it came to magic. The legacy of Thoth continues to fascinate people around the world today as a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization’s cultural richness and diversity.