The Hermes symbol is one of the most recognizable symbols in Greek mythology. Hermes was the messenger of the gods and was known for his speed, cunning, and eloquence. He was also the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.
The symbol associated with Hermes is a tortoise. But why a tortoise? Let’s explore the story behind this fascinating symbol.
The Story of Hermes and the Tortoise
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He was a precocious child and showed incredible intelligence from an early age. One day when he was still a baby, he wandered out of his cave and came across a tortoise.
Being curious as he was, he picked up the tortoise and examined it closely. He noticed that its shell had different sections that were divided by lines. This gave him an idea – he took out his lyre (a musical instrument) and strung it with strings made from the intestines of cows.
He then plucked at the strings with his fingers and created beautiful music that echoed through the mountains. The music attracted the attention of Apollo – the god of music – who happened to be passing by.
Apollo was so impressed with Hermes’ music that he asked him to trade his lyre for one of Apollo’s magical items – a wand called a caduceus. This wand had two snakes coiled around it and had magical powers that could heal people, bring peace, and protect travelers.
Hermes agreed to the trade, but only if Apollo promised not to be angry with him for stealing some of Apollo’s cattle earlier that day (Hermes was known to be quite mischievous). Apollo agreed to this deal, and thus began their friendship.
The Symbolism Behind the Tortoise
The tortoise became associated with Hermes because it represented several qualities that Hermes possessed. Firstly, the tortoise was known for its ability to retreat into its shell and protect itself from harm. This symbolized Hermes’ cunning and ability to outsmart his enemies.
Secondly, the tortoise was also known for its slow and steady pace. This represented Hermes’ patience and endurance when it came to his duties as a messenger and protector of travelers.
Finally, the tortoise was associated with music because of the story of Hermes creating music with his lyre. This further cemented the association between Hermes and the tortoise.
The Importance of Symbols in Greek Mythology
Symbols played an important role in Greek mythology because they helped people remember stories and concepts that were difficult to explain in words. For example, the caduceus represented peace, healing, and protection – all qualities that Apollo possessed.
Similarly, the tortoise represented qualities that were associated with Hermes – qualities such as cunning, patience, endurance, and musical talent. By using symbols like these, people could easily remember what each god stood for and what their roles were in Greek mythology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hermes symbol is a tortoise because of the story of Hermes creating music with his lyre while examining a tortoise’s shell. The tortoise became associated with Hermes because it represented qualities such as cunning, patience, endurance, and musical talent – all qualities that were associated with him.
Symbols played an important role in Greek mythology because they helped people remember what each god stood for and what their roles were. The use of symbols like the tortoise made it easier for people to remember stories and concepts that were difficult to explain in words.