Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, is one of the most revered gods in ancient Greek mythology. He was known for his quick wit and cunning nature.
People worshipped him for various reasons, including his ability to protect them during their travels and trades. In this article, we’ll explore why people worshipped Hermes.
The God of Commerce
Hermes was the god of commerce in ancient Greece. He was believed to be the patron god of merchants and traders who traveled extensively for business purposes. People worshipped him because they believed that he could bring them good luck in their trade endeavors.
Did you know? The caduceus, a symbol often associated with medicine in modern times, was originally a symbol of Hermes as the god of commerce.
The God of Thieves
Hermes was also known as the god of thieves. People believed that he could help them steal without getting caught by authorities. Thieves prayed to Hermes to protect them from being apprehended and punished.
Fun fact: The word “hermetic” is derived from Hermes’ name and refers to something that is completely sealed or airtight – making it difficult for others to access.
The God of Travelers
As the god of travelers, Hermes was often invoked by those embarking on long journeys. People believed that he could protect them from harm while they were away from home. Similarly, people prayed to him when sending loved ones on long journeys.
Hermes’ role in Greek mythology
In addition to his roles as the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers – Hermes played an important role in many famous myths from ancient Greece. For example:
- In one myth, he helped Perseus slay Medusa by giving him a sword and showing him how to navigate the underworld.
- In another myth, he helped Odysseus escape from the island of Circe by giving him a magical herb to protect him from her spells.
- He was also responsible for guiding the souls of the dead to the underworld as well as acting as a messenger between the gods and mortals.
The Bottom Line
People worshipped Hermes for his ability to protect them in various aspects of their lives, including commerce, travel, and even theft. He was an important figure in ancient Greek mythology and played a pivotal role in many of its most famous stories. Whether you’re praying for good luck in business or safe travels on your next adventure – invoking Hermes might just give you that extra edge you need.