Why Is Hermes Thrice Great?

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Hermes is one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology. Known as the messenger of the gods, he was also revered as the god of merchants, thieves, travelers, and even athletes.

But perhaps what sets him apart from other gods is his epithet “Trismegistus” or “Thrice Great”. In this article, we’ll explore why Hermes is considered Thrice Great and what it means.

The Origins of Hermes

Before we delve deeper into why Hermes is Thrice Great, let’s first take a look at his origins. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a daughter of Atlas.

As a baby, he showed exceptional intelligence and cunningness by stealing Apollo’s cattle. To make amends, he gifted Apollo with a lyre that he had invented and became the god’s loyal messenger.

As he grew up, Hermes became known for his speed and agility. He was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged cap that symbolized his ability to move swiftly between worlds – the mortal world, the divine world, and even the underworld.

Hermes’ Three Domains

Now that we have an understanding of who Hermes was let’s discuss why he is Thrice Great. The title “Thrice Great” refers to three domains over which Hermes had control: philosophy, alchemy, and astrology.

Philosophy

Hermes was credited with the creation of Hermetic philosophy or Hermetism – an ancient spiritual tradition that emphasized unity with all things divine. Hermetic philosophy teaches that everything in existence is connected and that through meditation and contemplation one can achieve enlightenment.

Alchemy

In addition to philosophy, Hermes was also associated with alchemy – an early form of chemistry that sought to transform base metals into gold. Alchemists believed that by purifying the material world, they could achieve spiritual perfection. Hermes was seen as the patron of alchemists and was often depicted holding a caduceus – a staff with two snakes intertwined around it.

Astrology

Lastly, Hermes was associated with astrology – the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. The Greeks believed that Hermes could interpret the will of the gods through his ability to observe and understand celestial patterns.

The Importance of Thrice Great

So why is it important that Hermes is Thrice Great? For one, it highlights his versatility as a god.

Unlike other gods who were associated with only one domain, Hermes had control over three distinct domains. This made him a well-respected and revered figure in Greek mythology.

Furthermore, Thrice Great emphasizes the interconnectedness between philosophy, alchemy, and astrology. Hermetic philosophy teaches that these three domains are interconnected and that by understanding them, one can achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes’ epithet “Thrice Great” refers to his control over philosophy, alchemy, and astrology. This title emphasizes his versatility as a god and highlights the interconnectedness between these three domains. To this day, Hermes remains an important figure in Greek mythology – a symbol of intelligence, speed, and agility.

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