Did Hermes Have Any Lovers?

Hermes was the Greek god of commerce, travel, and communication. He was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades.

Known for his cunning and speed, Hermes is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus, a staff intertwined with two snakes. But did Hermes have any lovers?

According to Greek mythology, Hermes had numerous lovers throughout his life. Some sources say that he had affairs with both men and women, while others suggest that he had only female lovers.

One of his most famous love interests was Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Legend has it that Hermes fell in love with her beauty at first sight, but Aphrodite rejected him as she was already married to Hephaestus. Undeterred by her rejection, Hermes continued to pursue her relentlessly until they finally had an affair.

Another one of his well-known lovers was Penelopeia, the wife of Odysseus. When Odysseus was away from home for many years due to the Trojan War and his subsequent journey back home, Penelopeia was left alone to fend off suitors who were after her hand in marriage. It is said that Hermes took pity on her and became her lover during this time.

Hermes also had a brief affair with Chione, a mortal princess who boasted about her beauty so much that she offended the gods themselves. As punishment for her arrogance, Artemis shot her with an arrow that made her fall into a deep sleep. While she slept, Hermes came upon her and took advantage of the situation.

In addition to these famous affairs, there are many other stories about Hermes’ romantic exploits. He was known for his charm and wit which made him irresistible to many.

In conclusion, it is clear from Greek mythology that Hermes had numerous lovers throughout his life. Whether it’s true or not in reality can never be verified, but the stories of his affairs continue to fascinate and intrigue us.