Are Eros and Hermes the Same?

Eros and Hermes are two of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology. While they have some similarities, they are not the same. In this article, we will explore the differences between Eros and Hermes and look at their individual roles in Greek mythology.

Who is Eros?

Eros is the god of love and desire. He is often depicted as a winged youth with a bow and arrow, ready to shoot his arrows at unsuspecting victims to make them fall in love. In some stories, he is portrayed as mischievous and playful, while in others, he is shown as powerful and destructive.

Mythology surrounding Eros

In Greek mythology, Eros is the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to one story, Aphrodite was jealous of Psyche’s beauty and sent Eros to make her fall in love with a horrible monster. However, Eros fell in love with Psyche himself and they eventually got married.

Who is Hermes?

Hermes is the god of commerce and messenger of the gods. He is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus (a staff with two snakes wrapped around it). He was known for his speed and agility and was believed to be able to travel between worlds.

Mythology surrounding Hermes

In Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus (the king of gods) and Maia (one of the Pleiades). He was known for his cunningness even from a young age. In one story, he stole Apollo’s cattle but managed to convince Apollo that he had nothing to do with it by playing his lyre upside down.

Differences between Eros and Hermes

While both Eros and Hermes are associated with wings in some way, their roles and attributes are quite different. Eros is associated with love and desire, while Hermes is associated with commerce and communication. Eros is often shown with a bow and arrow, while Hermes is typically shown with a caduceus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Eros and Hermes are both important figures in Greek mythology, they have very different roles and attributes. Eros is the god of love and desire, while Hermes is the god of commerce and messenger of the gods. Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the complexity of Greek mythology and the rich history it embodies.