Was Hermes Handsome?

The question of whether Hermes was handsome is one that has been debated for centuries. As the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, Hermes was often portrayed as a youthful and athletic figure with a mischievous grin on his face.

But did he possess the kind of physical beauty that would make him stand out among the other gods? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.

Depictions of Hermes in Ancient Art

One of the best ways to answer this question is to examine how Hermes was portrayed in ancient art. Many depictions show him as a slim and muscular young man with short hair and a beard. He is often depicted wearing a winged hat and sandals, as well as carrying a caduceus – a staff with two snakes wrapped around it.

Statues

There are several famous statues of Hermes that give us an idea of how he was perceived by ancient artists. One such statue is the Hermes of Praxiteles, which dates back to the 4th century BCE.

This statue shows Hermes leaning against a tree trunk with one arm raised above his head. He is depicted as naked, save for his sandals and caduceus. The statue has been praised for its naturalistic proportions and lifelike appearance.

Vases

Hermes also appears on many ancient Greek vases, where he is often shown alongside other gods and goddesses. On these vases, he is typically depicted with his characteristic winged hat and sandals, as well as carrying his caduceus. In some cases, he appears in scenes where he is performing his duties as the messenger god – for example, delivering messages to mortals or guiding souls to the underworld.

The Judgment of Paris

Another piece of evidence that sheds light on Hermes’ appearance comes from the story of the Judgment of Paris. According to this myth, Paris was asked to choose the most beautiful of three goddesses – Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Each of the goddesses attempted to bribe Paris with gifts, but in the end, he chose Aphrodite as the winner.

Hermes played a role in this story as well. He was tasked with escorting the three goddesses to Paris and helping to facilitate the judgment. Although he is not specifically described as attractive in this story, his presence alongside three of the most beautiful women in Greek mythology suggests that he must have been at least somewhat handsome.

Conclusion

So, was Hermes handsome? Based on the evidence we have examined here, it seems likely that he was.

While there are no explicit descriptions of his physical appearance in ancient texts, his portrayal in art suggests that he was seen as a youthful and attractive figure. Whether or not he would be considered conventionally handsome by modern standards is another question altogether – but for the ancient Greeks, Hermes was undoubtedly a god worth admiring.