Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, trade, and travelers, is often depicted wearing a pair of winged sandals. These sandals are not just a mere accessory but a symbol of his speed and agility. The question that arises is, who gave Hermes his shoes
The Mythology
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia. He was a mischievous child who loved to play pranks on other gods.
When he was just a few hours old, he sneaked out of his crib and went to the fields where Apollo had his cattle grazing. Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle and took them to a nearby cave.
When Apollo found out about this theft, he was furious. He searched for his cattle everywhere but couldn’t find them.
Finally, he came across the cave where Hermes had hidden them. Apollo demanded that Hermes return his cattle immediately.
Hermes agreed to return the cattle but only if Apollo would teach him how to play the lyre. Apollo agreed to this deal and taught Hermes how to play the lyre.
The Gift of Winged Sandals
After learning how to play the lyre, Hermes wanted something more from Apollo. He asked him for a pair of winged sandals that would make him swift like the wind.
At first, Apollo refused this request as he thought that it would give an unfair advantage to Hermes over other gods. But eventually, he relented and gave him a pair of winged sandals.
The Making of Winged Sandals
Apollo made these sandals himself using talaria – divine gold-winged ankle boots worn by heralds in ancient Greece – as inspiration for their design. The sandals were made of divine gold and had wings attached to their heels.
The moment Hermes put on the sandals, he felt their power. He could move with lightning speed and was able to fly through the air. The sandals were not just a gift but a symbol of Hermes’ new role as the messenger of the gods.
The Significance of Winged Sandals
Hermes’ winged sandals were not just a symbol of his speed but also of his ability to travel between worlds. As the messenger of the gods, Hermes had to travel between the mortal world and Mount Olympus frequently. The sandals, with their wings, allowed him to do this with ease.
The winged sandals also represented Hermes’ role as the protector of travelers. He was often depicted with a traveler’s hat and cloak along with his winged sandals. This showed that he was responsible for guiding travelers on their journeys and protecting them from harm.
In Conclusion
The gift of winged sandals from Apollo was a turning point in Hermes’ life. It not only gave him incredible speed but also marked his new role as the messenger of the gods. These shoes were more than just an accessory; they were a symbol of power, agility, and responsibility.
- Key Takeaways:
- Hermes is often depicted wearing winged sandals that represent his speed and agility.
- Apollo gave Hermes the gift of winged sandals after he stole Apollo’s cattle.
- Hermes’ role as protector of travelers is also represented by his winged sandals along with his traveler’s hat and cloak.