Hermes and Apollo are two of the most well-known Greek gods, and their relationship has been a subject of much debate and speculation over the years. While some accounts suggest that the two had a close friendship, others suggest that there may have been something more between them. In this article, we will explore the question of whether or not Hermes loved Apollo.
Who Were Hermes and Apollo
Before we delve into their relationship, it’s important to understand who these two gods were. Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.
He was also known as the messenger of the gods and was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat. Apollo, on the other hand, was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He was also associated with the sun and was known for his beauty.
Their Relationship
In many myths, Hermes and Apollo are depicted as close friends who had a great deal of respect for each other. For example, in one story, Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle but then amused him by playing music on his lyre. In another story, Hermes created a lyre for Apollo as a gift.
While these stories suggest that the two were simply friends, some scholars believe that there may have been more to their relationship. For example, in some ancient Greek texts, there are references to “eromenos” relationships between older men and younger boys. Some people believe that this type of relationship may have existed between Hermes and Apollo.
Evidence for Their Love
There are several pieces of evidence that suggest that Hermes may have had romantic feelings for Apollo. One is a vase painting from ancient Greece that shows Hermes gazing lovingly at Apollo while holding a rooster (a symbol of sexual desire). Another is a poem by Sappho in which she describes Hermes as “longing for golden-haired Apollo.”
Additionally, some scholars point to the fact that Hermes was often depicted as a hermaphrodite (having both male and female sexual organs). This has led some people to speculate that Hermes may have been attracted to both men and women, including Apollo.
Counterarguments
Despite these pieces of evidence, there are also many counterarguments to the idea that Hermes loved Apollo. For example, some scholars argue that the vase painting is simply depicting a scene from a myth and does not necessarily represent their actual relationship. Others point out that Sappho’s poem is not necessarily about Hermes and Apollo specifically but could be interpreted in different ways.
Furthermore, while it’s true that Hermes was often depicted as a hermaphrodite, this was not necessarily an indication of his sexual preferences. In ancient Greek art, hermaphrodites were often used as symbols of fertility and abundance.
Conclusion
So did Hermes love Apollo The truth is that we may never know for certain.
While there are certainly pieces of evidence that suggest there may have been something more between them, there are also many arguments against this idea. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to interpret the myths and stories in their own way.
Regardless of whether or not they were lovers, however, it’s clear that Hermes and Apollo had a special bond. Their friendship was based on mutual respect and admiration, and they worked together on many occasions to achieve common goals. Whether or not there was romantic love involved, their relationship remains one of the most fascinating in Greek mythology.
- Key Takeaways:
- Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers while Apollo was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing.
- While Hermes and Apollo are often depicted as close friends, some scholars believe that there may have been a romantic relationship between them.
- Pieces of evidence that suggest Hermes loved Apollo include a vase painting and a poem by Sappho.
- Counterarguments to this idea include the fact that hermaphrodites were often used as symbols in ancient Greek art and that the vase painting could simply be depicting a scene from a myth.