Hermes Nyarlathotepos

Many people have heard of the Nyarlathotep of Lovecraftian mythology, but few know its roots in and implications for the cult of Hermes. The deities have many similar functions in their respective pantheons, and the basic cultus offered to each deity follows standard relationship development models of offerings and favors. By looking at these similarities, we can arrive at a proper way to syncreticise the two deities.

When we look at the functions of the two deities, we see that Hermes frequently takes the title “Messenger of the Gods.” One of Nyarlathotep's central functions in the Lovecraftian pantheon also fulfills a messenger role; he does the work of the Elder Gods who remain asleep or exiled. Both Hermes and Nyarlathotep delight in deception: one is the God of Thieves, and the other enjoys manipulating people to serve his worldly motives. Hermes is credited with the creation of human language; Nyarlathotep prefers to speak in human languages with his followers, the exact opposite of the other Elder Gods. These relationships between the two deities prove that they can be treated as essentially the same, but as different cultural expressions. The Theos who is both Hermes and Nyarlathotep, once Hellenism declined, obviously found a new medium through which he could communicate his vital religious role.

As far as worship goes, worshipers give cult to each deity in traditional reciprocal forms. One cultivates a relationship with the deity by making offerings and accepting assistance. One can argue that Nyarlathotep-worship has retained blood sacrifice, though, because worship conditions and spiritual emphasis remain different. In rituals for Nyarlathotep, many members remain aware of their transgressive outreach towards deities that have knowledge and forms that will drive the follower insane; blood sacrifice reflects the greater personal risk. Hermes and the Hellenic Theoi have more connection and grounding in reason, and the bloodless offerings reflect modern constraints; many do not give blood sacrifice because they lack training in humane slaughter. This is a non-issue for Nyarlathotep devotees.

With all of these similarities, why not syncreticise Hermes and Nyarlathotep? After all, a part of moderation and reason is about balance, and the maddening qualities of Nyarlathotep could be beneficial to the deity and worshiper in a Hellenic context. To test out some devotions to this composite deity for yourself, I suggest the following:

1. Purification through ritual washing.
2. Brief meditation on the place of madness and manipulation.
3. Hymn to Hermes Nyarlathotepos: “God of Madness, Trickster and Manipulator of Humans, hear me! Let us solidify our relationship through this worship and these offerings. Please give me the correct frame of mind to deal with this Trickster Day and assist me in any endeavors to bring the joy of the season to others.”
4. Give some kind of offering.
   
5. Thank Hermes Nyarlathotepos.

Happy First of April!

Sources
Wikipedia: Nyarlathotep - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyarlathotep
ChthulhuWiki: Nyarlathotep - http://www.yog-sothoth.com/wiki/index.php/Nyarlathotep