Did Apollo and Hermes Have a Relationship?

When it comes to Greek mythology, there are countless stories of gods and their relationships with one another. One such story is the rumored romantic relationship between Apollo and Hermes.

Apollo was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He was also known for his good looks and charm.

On the other hand, Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports. He was often portrayed as a mischievous figure who enjoyed playing pranks.

Despite their different domains, many ancient texts suggest that Apollo and Hermes had a close relationship that went beyond mere friendship. In fact, some believed that they were lovers.

One of the most famous stories about their alleged romance comes from Ovid’s “Metamorphoses.” In the story, Hermes steals Apollo’s cattle as a prank.

When Apollo confronts him about it, Hermes tries to distract him by playing his lyre and singing. The two end up spending the night together in a cave.

While this story doesn’t explicitly state that they were lovers, many scholars believe that it implies a romantic relationship between them.

Another piece of evidence for their relationship comes from ancient artwork depicting the two gods together in intimate poses. For example, in one vase painting from around 500 BCE, Apollo is shown embracing Hermes from behind while holding his lyre.

Despite these suggestive pieces of evidence, it’s important to remember that homosexuality wasn’t openly accepted in ancient Greece. Many scholars argue that these depictions could simply be symbolic representations of close friendship rather than actual romantic relationships.

In conclusion, while there are certainly signs pointing towards a romantic relationship between Apollo and Hermes in Greek mythology, we cannot say for certain whether or not they were actually lovers. Regardless of their relationship status, both gods played important roles in Greek mythology and continue to fascinate us to this day.

Conclusion

References:

  • Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”
  • Ancient artwork depicting the two gods together