Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletics, is one of the twelve Olympian gods. Known for his fleetness of foot and cunning intellect, Hermes was a popular deity in ancient Greece. In this article, we will explore Hermes’ special powers and how he used them to influence Greek mythology.
Speed and Agility
Hermes is best known for his incredible speed and agility. He was often depicted wearing winged sandals that allowed him to fly and move at incredible speeds. His speed was so great that he could even travel between the underworld and the realm of the living with ease.
Trickery
As a god of thieves, it should come as no surprise that Hermes was also known for his trickery. He was a master of deception and could manipulate situations to his advantage. He was known for stealing from other gods and humans alike but would often return what he had stolen if it suited him.
Communication
Hermes was also known as the messenger of the gods. He could communicate with all other gods and relay their messages to mortals. He was also responsible for guiding souls to the underworld after death.
Commerce
In addition to being a messenger, Hermes was also the god of commerce. This meant that he presided over trade, merchants, and commerce in general. He would protect merchants during their travels and ensure fair deals were made.
Athletics
Hermes was not just a god of commerce; he was also a patron of athletics. As a result, he was worshiped by athletes who sought his blessing before competitions. His speed and agility made him an inspiration to many athletes who wanted to achieve greatness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes’ special powers made him an influential figure in Greek mythology. His speed, trickery, communication skills, and patronage of commerce and athletics made him a multifaceted god that had a tremendous impact on the lives of mortals and other gods alike. It is no wonder that he remains one of the most popular figures in Greek mythology even today.