How Old Was Hermes Homeric Hymn?

Hermes, the Greek god of trade, thieves, travelers, and sports, is one of the most intriguing figures in ancient mythology. It is believed that he was born on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, the son of Zeus and Maia.

The Homeric Hymns are a collection of poems written by various authors in ancient Greece. These hymns were composed to honor the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. One of these hymns is dedicated to Hermes, and it provides us with some insight into how old this mythological figure really is.

According to scholars, the Homeric Hymn to Hermes was composed sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. This means that the hymn is over two thousand years old! The author of the hymn is unknown but it is believed that he or she was a follower of the cult of Hermes.

The Homeric Hymn to Hermes tells the story of how Hermes was born and how he became one of the Olympian gods. The hymn describes how Maia gave birth to Hermes in a cave on Mount Cyllene and how he quickly demonstrated his cunning by stealing Apollo’s cattle shortly after his birth.

Hermes’ theft angered Apollo who demanded that Zeus punish him. However, Zeus found his son’s actions amusing and instead made him return Apollo’s cattle in exchange for a lyre that Apollo had created. This exchange marked the beginning of a close relationship between Hermes and Apollo.

The Homeric Hymn to Hermes also highlights some important aspects of Hermes’ character. He is described as being clever, mischievous, and quick-witted. These traits would become defining characteristics of his personality throughout Greek mythology.

In conclusion, while we may not know exactly when or where stories about Hermes first originated, we do know that they have been around for thousands of years. The Homeric Hymn to Hermes provides us with a glimpse into the origins of this fascinating figure and his place in ancient Greek mythology.