Hermes and Aphrodite are two of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology. Hermes is the messenger god, known for his speed and cunning, while Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
As two of the most powerful gods in the pantheon, it’s natural to wonder whether or not they get along. Let’s explore their relationship and find out.
Who Are Hermes and Aphrodite?
Before we delve into their relationship, let’s take a closer look at who Hermes and Aphrodite are.
Hermes: In Greek mythology, Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia. He is known as the messenger god because he was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and mortals. He was also considered the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports.
Aphrodite: Aphrodite is one of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses. She was born from the foam of the sea after Cronus castrated Uranus and threw his genitals into the ocean. She is known as the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, pleasure, passion, procreation, and desire.
Do They Get Along?
The short answer to this question is yes. Hermes and Aphrodite do get along in Greek mythology. Although they are not often depicted interacting with each other in myths or artwork, there are a few instances where their paths cross.
One such instance is in Homer’s Iliad. In book 24 of this epic poem about the Trojan War, Hermes appears to Priam (king of Troy) disguised as a young prince named Myrmidon. He tells Priam that he has been sent by Zeus to guide him safely through enemy lines so he can retrieve his son Hector’s body for burial.
Later in this same book, we see Aphrodite playing a role in the story. She appears to Hector’s wife and begs her to go find him on the battlefield to convince him to come home. When Hector finally agrees to leave the battle, it is Hermes who escorts him safely back to Troy.
While these two gods may not have many direct interactions in Greek mythology, their areas of influence do overlap. Hermes was the god of commerce and travel, so it’s possible that he would have assisted Aphrodite in her duties as goddess of love and desire by delivering messages or transporting people between lovers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes and Aphrodite do get along in Greek mythology. While they may not have many direct interactions with each other, there are instances where their paths cross and they work together towards a common goal. As two of the most powerful gods in the pantheon, it’s likely that they had a mutual respect for each other’s abilities and domains of influence.