In Christianity, the term was originally applied to a Christian who lives the eremitic life out of a religious conviction, … See more

The word hermit comes from the Latin ĕrēmīta, the latinisation of the Greek ἐρημίτης (erēmitēs), "of the desert", which in turn comes from ἔρημος (erēmos), signifying "desert", "uninhabited", hence "desert-dweller"; ad… See more

In the common Christian tradition the first known Christian hermit in Egypt was Paul of Thebes (fl. 3rd century), hence also called "St. Paul the first hermit". Antony of Egypt (fl. 4th century), often referred to as "Antony the Great", … See more

Catholics who wish to live in eremitic monasticism may live that vocation as a hermit:
• in an eremitic order, for example Carthusian or Camaldolese (in the latter one affiliate … See more

• Paul of Thebes, 4th century, Egypt, regarded by St. Jerome as the first hermit
• Abba Or of Nitria, 4th century, Egypt.
• Anthony of Egypt, 4th century, Egypt, a Desert Father, regarded as the founder of Christian … See more

From a religious point of view, the solitary life is a form of asceticism, wherein the hermit renounces worldly concerns and pleasures. This can be done for many reasons, including: to come closer to the deity or deit… See more

• In medieval romances, the knight-errant frequently encounters hermits on his quest. Such a figure, generally a wise old man, would advise him. Knights searching for the Holy Grail, in particular, learn from a hermit the errors t… See more