Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, was one of the twelve Olympian gods. He was known for his mischievous personality and quick wit.
However, there is another side to Hermes that is not as well-known – his love life. Hermes was a notorious philanderer, and there were many lovers in his life.
Mythology and Lovers
In Greek mythology, Hermes had many lovers, both male and female. He had affairs with goddesses, nymphs, mortals, and even other gods. Some of his most famous lovers include:
Aphrodite
Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty. She was married to Hephaestus but had an affair with Ares.
According to some versions of the myth, Hermes also had an affair with Aphrodite. It is said that they had a son together named Hermaphroditus.
Persephone
Persephone was the queen of the underworld and wife of Hades. According to some versions of the myth, Hermes fell in love with Persephone and tried to seduce her. However, Persephone rejected him.
Dionysus
Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy. According to some myths, Hermes had a homosexual relationship with Dionysus.
Mortal Lovers
Apart from these famous divine lovers, Hermes also had mortal lovers in his life.
Chione
Chione was a mortal princess who had an affair with both Apollo and Hermes. She bore twins as a result – Autolycus (fathered by Hermes) who became a famous thief in mythology.
Daphnis
Daphnis was a shepherd who was loved by both Hermes and the nymph Echenais. According to some versions of the myth, Daphnis chose Hermes as his lover and became a famous shepherd in mythology.
The Legacy of Hermes
The love life of Hermes may seem scandalous to some, but it is an essential part of his legacy. In Greek mythology, the gods were known for their passionate affairs and complicated relationships. These stories were not just for entertainment but also served as a way to explain human behavior.
The tales of Hermes’ lovers reveal his complex personality – mischievous yet charming, playful yet passionate. They also show that even the gods had flaws and made mistakes.
Conclusion
Hermes had many lovers in his life, both divine and mortal. His love life is an essential part of Greek mythology and reveals his complex personality. While some may view his actions as scandalous, they serve as a reminder that even the gods are not perfect.