Persephone, the queen of the underworld, has always been a fascinating figure in Greek mythology. Her story of being abducted by Hades and eventually becoming his wife has been a popular subject in art and literature for centuries. However, there is another character in her story that often goes unnoticed – Hermes.
The Meeting
Hermes, the messenger of the gods, was tasked with delivering a message from Zeus to Hades about Persephone’s fate. It was during this trip to the underworld that Hermes first laid eyes on Persephone.
According to some versions of the myth, Hermes was immediately smitten by Persephone’s beauty and grace. He even went so far as to try and woo her with his charm and wit.
The Competition
However, Hermes wasn’t the only god vying for Persephone’s attention. Apollo, the god of music and poetry, was also infatuated with her.
In one version of the myth, Apollo challenges Hermes to a musical contest for Persephone’s hand in marriage. Despite being an accomplished musician himself, Hermes loses to Apollo.
Hermes’ Gift
Despite losing the competition for Persephone’s hand in marriage, Hermes still had feelings for her. He decided to give her a gift as a token of his affection – a beautiful lyre made out of a tortoise shell.
This gift not only showcased Hermes’ creativity and skill but also served as a reminder to Persephone of his love for her.
The Aftermath
While it’s unclear if Persephone ever returned Hermes’ feelings or if their relationship went beyond friendship, their interactions did leave a lasting impact.
Hermes’ gift of the lyre became a symbol of their connection and was often depicted in art as a representation of their relationship.
So, did Hermes like Persephone While we may never know for sure, the myth suggests that there was at least some level of admiration and affection between the two.
- In Conclusion: While Persephone’s story is primarily focused on her relationship with Hades, it’s interesting to explore the other characters that played a role in her life. Hermes’ interactions with Persephone add another layer of complexity to her story and showcase the depth of Greek mythology.