Who Were the Parents of Hermes?

Hermes is one of the most recognizable figures in Greek mythology. He is associated with a wide range of attributes, including commerce, thieves, travelers, and even literature.

But who were his parents? Let’s take a closer look.

Who was Hermes?

Before diving into the identity of his parents, let’s first understand who Hermes was. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. He is known for his cunning and resourcefulness and is often depicted wearing winged sandals and carrying a caduceus – a staff with two snakes entwined around it.

The Parents of Hermes

As mentioned earlier, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. However, their story is not as straightforward as it seems.

Zeus was known for his many affairs outside of his marriage to Hera. One such affair was with Maia – a daughter of Atlas and Pleione. According to some accounts, Zeus saw her while she was sleeping in a cave and was immediately smitten by her beauty.

Maia gave birth to Hermes in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. After giving birth to him, she fell asleep only to wake up to find her newborn son gone. It turns out that baby Hermes had snuck out of the cave and ventured out on an adventure.

When he returned from his adventure, he managed to sneak back into the cave without waking up Maia. From that point on, he continued to engage in mischievous behavior throughout his life – something he inherited from his father Zeus.

A Complex Family Tree

Like most figures in Greek mythology, Hermes’ family tree is complex and convoluted. His father Zeus had many affairs outside of marriage resulting in numerous children with different mothers.

In addition to being a son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes also had several half-siblings, including Apollo, Artemis, Athena, and Hercules. This complex family tree further highlights the intricacies of Greek mythology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. His birth story and his mischievous nature make him one of the most intriguing figures in Greek mythology. While his family tree may be complex, it adds to the richness and depth of Greek mythology as a whole.

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