Hermes, the Greek God of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, is widely known for his speed and cunning. However, there is more to this God than just being a messenger.
Hermes is also the herald of Zeus – the King of Gods. This begs the question – how did Hermes become Zeus’ herald? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this title.
The Birth of Hermes
Hermes was born to Maia and Zeus. Maia was a nymph, and Zeus was a prominent figure in Greek mythology.
Legend has it that when Hermes was born, he immediately left his cradle and went on an adventure. His first stop was to steal some cattle from Apollo, which he did by creating shoes that made him fly. Apollo later found out about the theft and reported it to Zeus.
The Consequences
Zeus summoned Hermes and demanded that he return the stolen cattle immediately. However, instead of punishing him for his actions, Zeus was impressed by Hermes’ cunning and resourcefulness. He recognized that Hermes had a unique set of skills that could be useful in his realm.
The Role as Herald
Impressed with his son’s abilities, Zeus appointed Hermes as his official herald – responsible for delivering messages between gods, mortals, and even the Underworld. This role made him one of the most important gods in Greek mythology.
Hermes: More Than Just a Messenger
As herald of Zeus, Hermes had many responsibilities beyond just delivering messages. He was also responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife and protecting travelers on their journeys.
- Guide to Souls: After death in Greek mythology, souls were required to cross over into Hades’ realm via the river Styx. Hermes would help guide these souls on their journey.
- Protector of Travelers: As the God of travel, Hermes was responsible for protecting travelers from harm on their journeys. He was also the patron of athletes and sports, as well as a protector of merchants and commerce.
The Symbols of Hermes
Hermes is often depicted in Greek art with his famous winged sandals, which allowed him to move swiftly between worlds. He is also commonly shown holding a caduceus – a staff with two snakes wrapped around it – which was a symbol of his role as herald.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes became Zeus’ herald due to his cunning and resourceful nature. This appointment made him one of the most important gods in Greek mythology, responsible for guiding souls and protecting travelers. His symbols – winged sandals and caduceus – are still recognized today as iconic representations of this legendary God.
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