How Did Hermes Start?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is one of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology. His image is often associated with the symbol of a winged sandal or a staff with two snakes coiled around it. But how did Hermes come to be?

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. His mother was Maia, one of the Pleiades (the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione), and his father was Zeus, the king of gods. From a young age, Hermes demonstrated his cunning and mischief by stealing Apollo’s cattle on his first day after birth.

As he grew older, Hermes became known as the messenger of the gods and was responsible for delivering messages between them. He also became associated with merchants and travelers due to his ability to move quickly and effortlessly between different locations.

Hermes’ reputation as a trickster continued throughout his life. He was known for playing pranks on both mortals and gods alike and using his quick wit to outsmart anyone who crossed him. In one famous story, he even managed to steal Aphrodite’s girdle (a symbol of her beauty) by distracting her with flattery.

Despite his mischievous nature, however, Hermes was also revered as a protector of travelers and those who engaged in commerce. He was seen as a benevolent god who would guide those who were lost or protect them from harm on their journeys.

Today, Hermes remains an important figure in modern culture. His image has been used in fashion (such as the luxury brand Hermès), sports (such as the car manufacturer Lotus naming their first F1 car after him), literature (such as J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series featuring a character named after him), and even space exploration (NASA naming a spacecraft after him).

In conclusion, Hermes’ origins can be traced back to Greek mythology, where he was born as the son of Zeus and Maia and became known for his cunning, wit, and mischievous nature. Despite this, he was also revered as a protector of travelers and commerce. His legacy continues to inspire and influence modern culture in a variety of ways.