The Greek Gods and Goddesses have always been a fascinating topic for historians, mythologists, and enthusiasts. Among the several gods and goddesses that are part of the Greek Pantheon, Hermes and Hestia hold an important place.
Interestingly, these two gods are related in a unique way. Let’s delve deeper into their connection.
Who are Hermes and Hestia?
Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia. He is known as the messenger of the gods, the god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, and border crossings. He is depicted with winged sandals and a winged cap.
Hestia is known as the goddess of hearth, home, architecture, domesticity, family, and state. She is one of the twelve Olympian Gods and Goddesses. She was also known as the virgin goddess as she chose to remain unmarried.
Their Connection
The connection between Hermes and Hestia lies in their respective domains. While Hermes was responsible for trade and border crossings outside of the home, Hestia was responsible for domestic affairs within it.
In ancient times when people used to travel across Greece through different cities or territories for business or other reasons, they would pray to Hermes before leaving their homes so that he could ensure their safe journey. Upon returning home safely from their travels or journeys, they would pray to Hestia in thanks for her protection over their homes while they were away.
This shows how these two deities were connected in terms of ensuring safety both inside and outside the home.
Honoring Hermes and Hestia
There were various ways in which people honored Hermes and Hestia in ancient Greece.
For Hermes:
- People would offer him sacrifices before embarking on journeys or starting new businesses.
- They would also pray to Hermes for guidance in sports or competitions.
For Hestia:
- People would offer her sacrifices before meals to ensure the food was cooked well and the family stayed healthy.
- They would also keep a fire burning in their homes in her honor as she was the goddess of hearth and home.
Their Importance Today
Even though we don’t offer sacrifices to these deities anymore, their importance is still recognized today. Hermes’ influence can be seen in various forms of sports and athletic competitions, while Hestia’s importance can be seen in how we value family and domestic life.
In conclusion, Hermes and Hestia may seem like different gods with different domains but their connection lies in the safety they provide to people inside and outside of their homes. Their influence is still felt today, making them an important part of Greek mythology.