Hermes and Hades: Understanding the Association
Hermes and Hades are two of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology. These two gods have been associated with each other for thousands of years, but many people don’t understand how they are connected. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Hermes and Hades and how they are portrayed in Greek mythology.
Who is Hermes?
Hermes is the god of commerce, communication, and thievery. He is known for his speed and agility, as well as his cunning intelligence.
Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia in a cave on Mount Cyllene. He is often depicted wearing a winged hat and sandals that allow him to fly at great speeds.
In Greek mythology, Hermes is also known as the messenger of the gods. He would deliver messages between the gods and mortals, including important information about battles or other events that were taking place.
Who is Hades?
Hades is the god of the underworld. He rules over the dead and is responsible for deciding where souls go after they die. Hades was born to Cronus and Rhea along with his brothers Zeus and Poseidon.
In Greek mythology, Hades was often feared by mortals because they believed he was responsible for their death. However, he was not considered evil like some other gods in Greek mythology.
The Association between Hermes and Hades
While Hermes represents life with his quick movements, communication skills, commerce expertise; on the other hand, Hades represents death with his dark underworld kingdom where he rules over all souls that have passed from the mortal world.
Despite their stark differences in nature, Hermes has been associated with Hades in Greek mythology. This association is due to the role Hermes played as the messenger of the gods. Hermes would often travel between the mortal world and the underworld to deliver messages from other gods to Hades.
Furthermore, Hermes was also responsible for guiding souls from the mortal world to the underworld after they died. He would help them cross the river Styx and safely reach their final destination in Hades’ kingdom.
Their Depiction in Art
Hermes and Hades are often depicted together in ancient Greek art. In many depictions, Hermes is shown guiding souls to Hades’ kingdom while holding his caduceus, a staff with two snakes wrapped around it. This staff was a symbol of his authority as a messenger of the gods.
Hades is often portrayed sitting on his throne, with Hermes standing beside him as he delivers messages or guides souls to their final resting place. In some depictions, Hades is shown wearing his helmet of invisibility which allows him to move undetected throughout the mortal world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes and Hades are two important figures in Greek mythology that are associated with each other due to their roles in delivering messages and guiding souls between the mortal world and the underworld. Despite their differences in nature, they are often depicted together in ancient Greek art as two powerful figures who have great influence over life and death.