How Many Family Members Does Hermes Have?

Hermes is an important figure in Greek mythology, known for his swift movements and cunning nature. He is often depicted as a messenger of the gods, delivering important messages between them and mortals.

But what about his family? How many family members does Hermes have? Let’s explore.

Parents of Hermes

Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades. Maia was a nymph who lived in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. Zeus was attracted to her beauty and snuck into her cave, where they conceived Hermes.

Siblings of Hermes

Hermes had several siblings from his father Zeus. They included:

  • Athena – goddess of wisdom and warfare
  • Apollo – god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing
  • Artemis – goddess of the hunt, wild animals, childbirth, and virginity
  • Persephone – goddess of the underworld
  • Dionysus – god of wine, fertility, madness, and theater
  • Hercules – demigod known for his strength and heroism

Wives and Children of Hermes

Hermes had several wives throughout his life. Some sources say he married Dryope or Chione, while others say he had affairs with various nymphs. Regardless of who he was married to or involved with romantically, he had several children.

Some notable children of Hermes include:

  • Pan – god of shepherds and flocks
  • Hermaphroditus – god who possessed physical traits of both male and female sexes
  • Abderus – prince and companion of Hercules
  • Autolycus – skilled thief and grandfather of Odysseus
  • Echion – one of the five survivors of the Seven Against Thebes

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes had a large and diverse family with many siblings, wives, and children. He played an important role in Greek mythology and was known for his cleverness and speed. By learning more about his family, we gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating figure from ancient mythology.