Hermes, the messenger of the gods, is one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology. But how old is he really?
This question has been a matter of debate for many years, with various sources offering different answers. In this article, we will explore the various accounts of Hermes’ age and try to arrive at a conclusive answer.
The Birth of Hermes
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a nymph who lived in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He was one of the twelve Olympian gods and was known for his speed, cunning, and wit. However, his age at the time of his birth is not clearly mentioned in any source.
The Childhood of Hermes
As per some sources, Hermes was born as an adult and emerged from his mother’s womb fully grown and dressed in his iconic winged sandals and hat. This would mean that he was born at the age of around 30-40 years old.
However, other versions suggest that he spent some time growing up like any other child before he became an adult. In this case, it’s difficult to determine exactly how old he was during his childhood.
Hermes’ Role as Messenger of the Gods
Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods and had several important roles in Greek mythology. He was responsible for delivering messages between gods and mortals, guiding souls to the underworld after death, and protecting travelers and merchants. However, none of these accounts offer any insight into his age.
Hermes’ Relationships
Hermes had several relationships with both mortals and immortals throughout his life. He had children with various women including Aphrodite (the goddess of love) and Chione (a mortal princess). These relationships suggest that he may have been sexually active for a considerable period of time, but they don’t provide any clues about his age.
The Conclusion
After examining all the available sources, it’s clear that there is no definitive answer to the question of Hermes’ age. While some sources suggest that he was born fully grown, others indicate that he had a childhood.
Additionally, his various roles and relationships don’t offer any significant insights into his age. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Hermes’ age remains a mystery.
- Summary: Hermes, the messenger of the gods, was one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology.
- Born: There is no clear indication of Hermes’ age at the time of his birth.
- Childhood: Some sources suggest that he was born fully grown while others indicate that he had a childhood.
- Messenger Role: Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods and had several important roles in Greek mythology.
- Relationships: Hermes had several relationships with both mortals and immortals throughout his life.
In conclusion,
Hermes remains an enigmatic figure whose true age may never be known. Nevertheless, his legacy continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. Whether he was born fully grown or grew up like any other child, one thing is certain – he will always be remembered as a symbol of speed, cunning, and wit in Greek mythology.