It’s interesting how the Biblical account of the supernaturally intelligent Serpent’s interactions with early humans differs from other ancient accounts. Serpents have been credited with wisdom, youthfulness, health, and even immortality.
The way they shed their skin periodically has something to do with this. And their coldblooded, calm nature gives these animals the appearance of wisdom. Unlike sheep, pigeons, or rabbits.
The Greeks developed the Cult of Asclepieia. According to myths, Asclepieia, the son of Apollo and pupil of Chaeron the wise centaur had supernatural powers of healing. Out of respect for his powers of healing and surgery the people started erecting temples in his honor.
Through fear that Asclepieia would start raising people from the dead and making mere humans immortal like the gods, Zeus smote him dead. But the temples erected in Asclepieia’s honor were full of snakes. Appearing dead, they revived when picked up. And a cult was born.
Hygieia, the dead healer’s daughter, tended to her father’s temples. She became known as the goddess of health, healing, and (naturally) hygiene. The Snake drinking from a bowl of medicine is her symbol.
It’s worth noting that around the world there are legends of “snake people.” Shape shifters who grant superior knowledge associated with progress to human beings they come in contact with. Almost every culture on every continent there are tales of wise, benevolent snake people who live in underground cities.
The Nagas of India, the Quetzalcoatls of Mexico (who have feathers), the Djedhi of Egypt, the Adders of Britain, and the Lung (snakes or dragons) of China were all welcomed and worshipped by those who believed in them.
But according to the Biblical narrative the serpent brought death and misery into the world. Not just to humanity but the entire natural balance was thrown off.
Smart and subtle as the Snake was (devil in disguise) he didn’t bring wisdom but confusion. He promised godhood but brought death.
The Bible says Eve was honestly tricked. Yet she—as well as Adam—was held accountable. Why?
She listened to the serpent’s voice. When he said, “Did God really say?” she could have chosen to walk away or thrown a rock at his scaly head.
Because she chose to play with an evil creature, to dally around with one who spoke against the God she knew to be faithful and honest, she helped bring a curse on all her descendants. That would be us.
When we trust those proven repeatedly to lie…when we remain loyal friends of God’s open enemies…when we seek the favor of those who behave vilely…when we blindly obey those that we know not to value human life as sacred…we are repeating the errors of Mother Eve.
Please remember what that brought into the world.
Very insightful now that we are in Lent. Not everything good comes from God and when we follow it, we can be pulled down.
Just tried to subscribe. Don't know if the subscription went thru or not. Will know after I check my email. This is Mary Allen who followed your link from Leo Hoffman's web site. Nice site by the way. It's pretty much a full-time job keeping one up. Don't have one currently but had one once. Will come back here and do more reading and commenting. Thanks for the invite.