There is a popular belief that Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, wore winged sandals. But the question remains – did Hermes really have winged sandals? Let’s explore the myth and facts surrounding this legendary footwear.
The Myth of Hermes’ Winged Sandals
In Greek mythology, Hermes is often depicted wearing a pair of sandals with wings on them. The story goes that when he was just a baby, he snuck out and stole cattle from his half-brother Apollo.
To avoid getting caught, he put on his winged sandals and flew away. From then on, the sandals became his signature footwear and helped him travel quickly between the mortal world and Mount Olympus.
The Reality of Hermes’ Footwear
While it’s true that Hermes was often depicted wearing sandals with wings, it’s highly unlikely that they were actually functional. Ancient Greek artists commonly used symbolic elements in their artwork to represent certain traits or qualities. In the case of Hermes’ winged sandals, they were likely meant to represent his speed and agility rather than actual footwear.
What Did Ancient Greek Sandals Look Like?
So if Hermes didn’t wear winged sandals, what did ancient Greek footwear look like? Most commoners wore simple leather sandals tied around their ankles with straps.
Wealthier individuals had more ornate sandals with embellishments like gold or silver studs. However, none of these shoes had wings on them.
The Evolution of Winged Sandals in Art
Despite not being historically accurate footwear for Hermes or any other ancient Greeks, artists throughout history continued to depict him wearing winged sandals in their artwork. The idea of flying shoes captured people’s imaginations and became a symbol for speedy travel.
- During the Renaissance period in Europe (14th-17th centuries), artists like Sandro Botticelli and Michelangelo included winged sandals in their depictions of Hermes.
- In the 20th century, comic book artist Jack Kirby created a version of Hermes with winged sandals that appeared in Marvel Comics.
In Conclusion
While Hermes may not have actually worn winged sandals, they have become an iconic symbol associated with the Greek god of speed. Whether used for artistic representation or inspiration in modern media, these footwear have become a beloved part of ancient Greek mythology.