The City of God · Character

Mercury

Roman messenger god, also identified with the Egyptian Thoth and Hermes Trismegistus.

minor

Also known as Trismegistus, Mercury Trismegistus

First appearance: part i book i

Mercury shows up with force in Chapter XXI. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Listed among the gods whose instruction is rendered unnecessary by virtue.

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In Chapter XXI: Listed among the gods whose instruction is rendered unnecessary by virtue. Later, in XIV: Pagan god of speech, interpreted…

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Story tension across the book.

This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…

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Mercury appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter XXI
Listed among the gods whose instruction is rendered unnecessary by virtue.
XIV
Pagan god of speech, interpreted by Augustine as a mere personification of human communication.
Concerning the Abomination of the Sacred Rites of the Great Mother
Mentioned among the gods whose thefts are less evil than the Great Mother's rites.
XXVI
Identified as Hermes's grandsire and a deified man buried in Hermopolis.
Chapter VIII: Who Were Kings When Moses Was Born, and What Gods Began to Be Worshipped Then
Grandson of Atlas, famous for his skills in many arts; later deified by men.

Chapter companion notes

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