Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, was known for his speed and agility. One of the most iconic symbols associated with him is his winged shoes.
These shoes allowed him to travel quickly between the mortal and divine worlds. But what were these shoes called?
According to Greek mythology, Hermes’ shoes were known as “talaria”. These were not ordinary shoes but rather a type of winged sandals that granted the wearer incredible speed and agility, similar to Hermes himself.
The word “talaria” actually comes from the Latin word “talaris,” which means “of the ankle.” This is because the sandals were designed to wrap around the ankle and had wings attached to them.
The wings on Hermes’ talaria were typically depicted as small feathers that extended from each side of the sandal. In some depictions, they are shown as large bird-like wings that spanned across the entire length of the sandal.
The talaria were not only functional but also served as a symbol of Hermes’ divine status. In fact, they were often depicted in art and literature as a way to identify him. Many ancient Greek depictions show Hermes wearing his talaria along with a traveler’s cloak and a wide-brimmed hat.
Interestingly, while Hermes was known for his incredible speed and agility, he was also associated with thieves and trickery. In some stories, he would use his talaria to steal or play pranks on mortals.
In conclusion, Hermes’ famous winged shoes were called “talaria.” These iconic sandals granted him incredible speed and agility in addition to serving as a symbol of his divine status. Today, they remain an enduring symbol of Greek mythology and continue to inspire artists and writers alike.