Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is commonly depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus. However, one question that often arises about Hermes is whether or not he wore a helmet.
There are varying depictions of Hermes in ancient Greek art and literature. Some portray him with a helmet while others do not.
So, did Hermes wear a helmet Let’s explore the evidence.
The Case for Hermes Wearing a Helmet
One of the most famous depictions of Hermes wearing a helmet comes from the ancient Greek vase painting known as the Francois Vase. The vase dates back to around 570 BCE and features several gods including Hermes. In this depiction, Hermes is wearing what appears to be a Corinthian helmet.
Another piece of evidence that supports the idea of Hermes wearing a helmet is from an ancient Greek coin that dates back to around 400 BCE. The coin shows Hermes with what appears to be a petasos hat on his head. However, some scholars argue that the petasos could actually be a type of helmet.
The Case Against Hermes Wearing a Helmet
While there are some depictions of Hermes wearing a helmet in ancient art, there are also many that show him without one. For example, in many ancient Greek vase paintings and sculptures, Hermes is shown with his signature winged sandals and caduceus but no helmet.
Additionally, some scholars argue that helmets were typically worn by warriors and soldiers in battle rather than by gods who were viewed as invincible and didn’t need protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not Hermes wore a helmet remains unclear. While there are some depictions of him wearing one in ancient art and literature, there are also many where he is shown without one. It’s possible that he wore one on occasion or only during certain situations such as when he was acting as a messenger for Zeus.
Regardless of whether or not Hermes wore a helmet, he remains one of the most intriguing and complex figures in Greek mythology with his many roles and attributes.