Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology. Known for his wit and cunning, Hermes was also a notorious ladies’ man.
Throughout his many adventures, he had several romantic relationships with both mortal women and goddesses. Let’s take a closer look at some of these relationships.
Relationships with Mortal Women
Despite being a god, Hermes was not immune to the charms of mortal women. In fact, he had several affairs with them throughout his life.
One of the most well-known was his relationship with Chione, a mortal princess known for her beauty. According to legend, Hermes seduced Chione while she was sleeping and impregnated her with twin boys.
Another famous affair was with Herse, a mortal woman who caught Hermes’ eye while he was on an errand for Zeus. In order to win her over, Hermes used his powers of persuasion to convince Herse’s sister Aglauros to let him into their home. Once there, he transformed himself into a snake and slithered into Herse’s bedchamber.
Relationships with Goddesses
Hermes’ relationships with goddesses were just as tumultuous as those he had with mortals. One of the most notable was his affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
According to legend, Hermes fell in love with Aphrodite after seeing her bathing naked in a river. However, their relationship was short-lived as Aphrodite quickly returned to her husband Hephaestus.
Another famous fling was with Persephone, the queen of the underworld. According to legend, Hermes fell in love with Persephone while escorting her back to Hades after she had been kidnapped by Hades himself. While their relationship never progressed beyond flirting and playful banter, it was enough to earn Hermes the ire of Hades.
The Legacy of Hermes’ Relationships
Despite the drama and heartbreak that often accompanied Hermes’ love affairs, his relationships with mortal women and goddesses helped shape the world of Greek mythology. Through his many children, including Autolycus, Eudoros, and Pan, Hermes left a lasting legacy that continues to fascinate scholars and readers alike.
While his romantic escapades may have caused trouble for him in the short term, they have also ensured that Hermes remains one of the most popular and enduring figures in Greek mythology.