Hermes and Apollo are two of the most prominent figures in Greek mythology. While they are often portrayed as vastly different in temperament and appearance, they are actually related in more ways than one. In this article, we will explore the connection between these two deities and what it means for their respective mythologies.
Who Are Hermes and Apollo?
Hermes is the son of Zeus, the king of gods, and Maia, a nymph. He is known as the messenger god, a trickster figure who is quick-witted and nimble. He is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus, a staff with two snakes wrapped around it.
Apollo, on the other hand, is the son of Zeus and Leto, another nymph. He is known as the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He is often depicted with a lyre or a bow and arrow.
Their Shared Paternity
One of the most obvious connections between Hermes and Apollo is their shared paternity – both of them are sons of Zeus. However, their mothers are different – Hermes’ mother is Maia while Apollo’s mother is Leto.
According to mythology, after Zeus had an affair with Leto which resulted in her pregnancy with Apollo, Hera (Zeus’ wife) got angry at Leto and forbade her from giving birth on any solid ground. This led to Leto wandering for days until she found an island that was not yet attached to the sea floor – Delos. It was here that she gave birth to Apollo.
Similarly, Hermes’ birth was also not without its challenges. According to legend, when he was just hours old he snuck out of his crib and stole some cattle from his half-brother Apollo.
When he was caught by Apollo’s angry accusations he played innocent by claiming that he was just a newborn and didn’t know what he was doing. This clever excuse, along with his charm and wit, earned him the nickname “the trickster god”.
Their Shared Interests
Despite their different personalities and spheres of influence, Hermes and Apollo share a few common interests. For example, both gods were associated with the lyre – Apollo as its inventor and master player, and Hermes as a skilled player who sometimes stole Apollo’s instrument.
Additionally, both gods were patrons of athletes. Apollo was the god of sports competitions such as the Olympic games, while Hermes was known for his speed and agility.
Their Roles in Mythology
While Hermes and Apollo had some shared interests and qualities, they played vastly different roles in Greek mythology.
As previously mentioned, Hermes was known as the messenger god. He was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and mortals.
He was also associated with commerce, thieves, travelers, boundaries, dreams, and language. He was often depicted as a cunning trickster who could outsmart anyone with his wit.
In contrast to Hermes’ playful nature, Apollo was known for his seriousness. He was seen as a beacon of light in dark times – he could heal sicknesses or offer guidance through prophecy. He was also seen as a protector of young men – he would often save them from danger or guide them through difficult times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hermes and Apollo may seem like vastly different figures at first glance – one being a trickster god while the other is serious – they are actually more alike than expected due to their shared paternity under Zeus. Additionally they have shared interests like music that further connect them through mythology but their roles are vastly different with one being associated with commerce while other being associated with healing. Despite their differences however both these gods remain important figures in Greek mythology till date.