William Hayes Ward however believed this theory to be unlikely. Ancient Near East Origin of Hermes’ Staff When linked to the Underworld serpents represented harm, evil, destruction, and death. In the Ancient Near East, serpents were linked to the Underworld. They are traditionally associated with sun gods and symbolize fertility, wisdom, and healing. Serpents appear painted on cave walls, and in the first written texts of the ancient Egyptians. Icons and symbols associated with snakes appear in many cultures, Indeed, snakes are one of the oldest mythological symbols. It is believed the decorative ribbons were replaced by snakes over time. The branch was topped with two strands of wool, and later two white ribbons. A Greek shepherd’s crook was traditionally made from a forked olive branch. One theory about the origin of the symbol is that the caduceus evolved from a shepherd’s crook. However, not everyone accepts this theory. Scholars believe the caduceus was adopted by the ancient Greeks from ancient Near Eastern traditions to be used for the messengers of the Greek gods. The ancient Near East refers to the ancient civilizations who lived in the geographical area that encompasses much of today’s modern Middle East. It is believed the symbol of heralds originated in the ancient Near East. The Caduceus, or in Greek kerukeion, seemingly refers to any herald or messengers staff, not just Hermes’ as Kerukeion translates to herald’s wand or staff. The wand is sometimes shown with wings on top, but in earlier Greek art the snake’s heads form a sort of circle at the top of the rod, giving the appearance of curved horns. The staff has two serpents winding up the rod forming a double helix. The intricate serpent wand carried by Hermes was his most distinctive symbol, even more so than his winged shoes or helmet. The Staff of Hermes and Hermes Trismegistus.Ancient Near East Origin of Hermes’ Staff.So, if not the Greeks, who were the first people to imagine this distinctive serpent wand? Hermes appeared with the staff around the 6th century BC. This famous staff or wand was not just unique to Hermes and Mercury, the caduceus was the symbol of the Heralds and messengers and so anyone with this title technically could possess one.Īs with many aspects of mythology, gods included, the symbol of the caduceus is not believed to have originated in ancient Greece. The mischievous messenger god’s Roman counterpart, the god Mercury, carried the same staff. ![]() However, this did not stop the messenger god from fulfilling his very serious role in ancient Greek mythology. You may be surprised to learn that, despite his prestigious title and noble weapon, In actuality, the bearer of the caduceus was a mischievous cunning trickster. With such a powerful-looking wand, one would expect Hermes to be a rather serious god. Sometimes known as a wand, of Hermes’ staff was a powerful weapon symbolizing peace and rebirth. In Greek mythology, the ambassador of the Olympian gods, Hermes, is often shown carrying a rather interesting serpent bearing staff.
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