In Greek mythology, Hermes is the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes. He is also known as the messenger of the gods and is often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat.
But what exactly was Hermes’ job in Greek mythology? Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating subject.
Who was Hermes?
Before we discuss Hermes’ job in Greek mythology, it’s essential to understand who he was. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia.
He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. As soon as he was born, he showed his cunning nature by stealing some of Apollo’s cattle.
Hermes was known for his speed, wit, and intelligence. He had a mischievous personality but was also very helpful to humans. He could move swiftly between the mortal world and the divine world and served as a messenger between them.
Hermes’ Job
Hermes had several jobs in Greek mythology that revolved around his unique abilities. Here are some of his most important roles:
Messenger of the Gods
As mentioned earlier, Hermes served as a messenger between the gods and mortals. Whenever the gods needed to communicate with each other or with humans, they would send Hermes to deliver their messages.
God of Commerce
Hermes also had a role in business and commerce. He presided over merchants and trade and protected travelers who were on their way to conduct business.
God of Thieves
Another interesting role that Hermes played was that of the god of thieves. In ancient Greece, theft was not necessarily seen as a bad thing if it was done for survival or out of necessity. Therefore, people would call upon Hermes for help when they needed to steal something.
God of Athletics
Finally, Hermes was also the god of athletics. He was believed to have invented foot-racing and other sports and was often associated with the Olympic Games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes’ job in Greek mythology was multifaceted and varied. He served as a messenger between the gods and mortals, presided over commerce and trade, protected travelers, helped those who needed to steal something, and was the god of athletics. His unique abilities made him one of the most important gods in Greek mythology and a fascinating subject to study even today.