Hermes Trismegistus, often called “the thrice greatest Hermes,” is a legendary figure who combines qualities of two ancient gods: the Egyptian Thoth and the Greek Hermes. Thoth, in Egyptian mythology, was known as the god of wisdom, magic, writing, and learning. He was also linked to healing and keeping the universe in balance. Thoth was usually shown as a scribe, recording the actions of gods and people, and was believed to have written all sacred texts. Some Egyptian writings even described him as “twice very great” or “five times very great,” showing his high status among the gods.
At the same time, the Greek god Hermes was famous as the quick and clever messenger of the gods. He represented wisdom, and was the patron of magic, communication, and travel. Hermes is often shown with the caduceus, a staff with two snakes, which became a symbol of mystical power. Over time, the Greeks saw so many similarities between Hermes and Thoth that they blended the two into one figure: Hermes Trismegistus.
The name “thrice greatest” means that Hermes Trismegistus was considered the greatest philosopher, the greatest king, and the greatest priest. This title highlights his wisdom, authority, and spiritual insight. Both Thoth and Hermes were closely connected to sacred writings and the sharing of divine knowledge. Thoth, as the gods’ scribe, was believed to record the weighing of souls in the Egyptian afterlife. In Greek tradition, Hermes guided souls to the underworld, acting as a psychopomp.
The influence of Hermes Trismegistus goes beyond mythology. Ancient writers credited him with an enormous number of works. For example, Iamblichus, a philosopher from Syria, said Hermes wrote 20,000 books. Manetho, an Egyptian priest, claimed he wrote more than 36,000 books. These numbers are likely symbolic, but they show how much respect and importance was given to Hermes Trismegistus as a source of secret wisdom.
According to legend, both Thoth and Hermes taught people about healing, magic, writing, astrology, and the basics of science and philosophy. Their teachings were seen as the foundation of civilization’s knowledge and spiritual growth. Francis Barrett, in “Biographia Antiqua,” wrote that Hermes “communicated the sum of the Abyss, and the divine knowledge to all posterity,” meaning his wisdom was meant for future generations.
Hermes Trismegistus is also linked to the Emerald Tablet, a legendary artifact said to hold the core of all philosophy. The caduceus, his staff, remains a symbol of spiritual authority and enlightenment. In myths, Hermes Trismegistus was said to have defeated Typhon, a dragon representing ignorance and corruption, which symbolizes the victory of wisdom over chaos.
The teachings credited to Hermes Trismegistus are known as the Hermetica. These are a group of 42 books, though the exact number and content have changed over time. The Hermetica had a strong impact on Western occultism, magic, and esoteric philosophy. Most scholars think these texts were written by several unknown authors between the third century BCE and the first century CE, blending Egyptian, Greek, and later ideas.
In conclusion, Hermes Trismegistus represents the merging of Egyptian and Greek wisdom. He stands for knowledge, magic, and spiritual enlightenment. His teachings, found in the Hermetica, continue to inspire those interested in esoteric knowledge and have had a lasting influence on Western thought.
