Greek mythology is full of fascinating stories about gods and goddesses, their powers, and their relationships. One such story revolves around the love lives of the gods, particularly that of Aphrodite and Hermes.
There have been different accounts of whether these two deities were actually married or not.
The Story Behind Aphrodite and Hermes
Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. She was known for her irresistible charm and her ability to make anyone fall in love with her.
On the other hand, Hermes was the messenger god who was also associated with commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes.
According to some versions of Greek mythology, it is said that Aphrodite and Hermes had a secret affair that led to their marriage. They are believed to have had a son named Hermaphroditus who possessed both male and female genitalia.
Contradicting Accounts
However, there are also conflicting accounts that suggest that Aphrodite never married Hermes. In fact, she was married to Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths.
But Aphrodite was unhappy in her marriage as Hephaestus was not as attractive as she wanted him to be.
This dissatisfaction led Aphrodite to engage in extramarital affairs with various other gods including Ares (the god of war) and Adonis (a mortal). This could mean that her relationship with Hermes may have just been one such affair among many others.
The Symbolic Connection between Aphrodite and Hermes
Despite the conflicting accounts about whether they were married or not, there is no denying that there is a significant symbolic connection between Aphrodite and Hermes. They were both associated with love, fertility, and sexuality.
While Aphrodite represented the feminine aspect of love, Hermes represented the masculine aspect.
Their association can be seen in various artworks and sculptures where they are depicted together in various poses. The most famous of these is the sculpture of Hermes and Aphrodite which shows them gazing into each other’s eyes with a sensual look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are different accounts of whether Aphrodite married Hermes or not. Some suggest that they had a secret affair that led to their marriage while others contradict this account and state that Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus.
However, regardless of their marital status, there is no doubt that there was a significant symbolic connection between these two deities who were associated with love and sexuality.