In Greek mythology, Argus was a giant with one hundred eyes who was tasked with guarding a white heifer named Io. Hera, the wife of Zeus, had placed Argus there to prevent Zeus from having an affair with Io.
However, Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the god of commerce and thieves, was sent by Zeus to rescue Io. So how did Hermes kill Argus?
According to the myth, Hermes approached Argus disguised as a shepherd and began to play music on his lyre. The music was so beautiful that it lulled Argus to sleep, one pair of eyes at a time. As each pair of eyes closed in slumber, Hermes would pluck them from Argus’ head and cast them away.
Once all of his eyes were closed and removed, Argus was defenseless and vulnerable. Hermes then swiftly decapitated him with his sword. The death of Argus freed Io from her captivity.
This myth has been depicted in art throughout history with varying interpretations. Some show Hermes playing music while others focus on the moment of decapitation. Regardless of the interpretation or depiction, one thing is clear: Hermes used his cunning and skill to outsmart and defeat the seemingly invincible giant.
So why did Zeus choose Hermes for this task? As the messenger god, Hermes had a reputation for being quick-witted and clever. He was known for his ability to think on his feet and find creative solutions to problems.
Additionally, as the god of commerce and thieves, it could be argued that stealing Io from under Hera’s nose was right up his alley. It’s also worth noting that this act solidified Hermes’ reputation as a trickster god.
In conclusion, Hermes’ clever use of music to lull Argus to sleep before decapitating him is a classic example of Greek mythology’s penchant for storytelling through heroic feats and epic battles. The myth also highlights Hermes’ quick thinking and cunning nature, solidifying his reputation as a trickster god.
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The ancient Greek mythologies are filled with fascinating stories, and one of the most intriguing tales is that of Hermes killing Argus. Argus was a giant with multiple eyes who served as a watchman for the goddess Hera. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Hermes’ actions and shed some light on this mythical event.
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