There has been a long-standing debate among Greek mythology enthusiasts about whether Hermes, the messenger god, helps Hades, the god of the underworld. To fully understand this question, we need to delve into the roles of both gods in Greek mythology.
Hermes: Hermes is one of the twelve Olympian gods and is known as the patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves. He is depicted as a youthful figure with winged sandals and a winged helmet. Hermes is also known for his cunning and quick wit.
Hades: Hades is also one of the twelve Olympian gods but is often associated with death and the underworld. He is depicted as a stern figure with a dark beard and holding a scepter. Hades rules over all things related to death and can be seen as both feared and revered.
Now that we have an understanding of both gods let’s explore whether Hermes helps Hades or not.
One argument for why Hermes helps Hades is that he serves as a messenger between Hades and other gods or mortals. When someone dies, their soul must cross into the underworld to be judged by Hades. It’s said that Hermes guides these souls to the underworld safely.
Another way in which Hermes may help Hades is through his ability to travel quickly between worlds. This could be useful for Hades if he needs to communicate with other gods or retrieve something from another realm quickly.
On the other hand, some argue that Hermes does not help Hades at all. While it’s true that he may act as a messenger between Hades and other beings, this does not necessarily mean he has any loyalty or obligation towards him.
Furthermore, some myths depict Hermes tricking or deceiving Hades for his own personal gain. For example, in one story, Hermes steals cattle from Apollo but then tricks Hades into taking them so that he won’t get caught.
In conclusion, the answer to whether Hermes helps Hades is not a straightforward one. While there are certainly instances where Hermes may assist Hades, there are also examples of him acting against him. Ultimately, it seems that Hermes’ actions are motivated by his own interests and not necessarily in service of Hades.