Have you ever wondered how old the Greek god Hermes is? Hermes is one of the most well-known figures in Greek mythology, and he has been a subject of fascination for centuries. In this article, we will explore the origins of Hermes and try to answer the question, “How old is Hermes Greek?”
The Mythical Origins of Hermes
Hermes is a god of many things – he is known as the messenger of the gods, the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, and more. According to Greek mythology, he was born to Zeus and Maia in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He was a precocious child and showed great skill in music and athletics from a young age.
The Age of Hermes
Now that we know about his origins let’s get to answering our question: How old is Hermes? The answer may surprise you.
In Greek mythology, gods are immortal beings who do not age like humans do. They exist outside of time and space as we understand it. Therefore it’s impossible to determine their exact age.
However, there are some clues provided in ancient texts that give us an idea of how long ago these tales were told. The earliest written accounts of Greek mythology date back to around 700 BCE. These were epic poems like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey that were passed down orally for generations before being written down.
Hermes appears in many of these stories as an important figure alongside other gods like Zeus, Apollo, Athena, and Aphrodite. This suggests that his mythological character has been around for at least 2,700 years.
The Legacy of Hermes
Despite being an ancient mythological figure with an uncertain age, the legacy of Hermes lives on today. His image can be found in art throughout history – from ancient pottery to Renaissance paintings to modern advertisements.
His name also lives on in the English language. The word “hermeneutics” comes from the Greek word “hermeneutikos,” which means “interpreter” or “translator.” This is fitting since Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods and had a role in interpreting messages between them.
Conclusion
While we cannot determine Hermes’ exact age, we know that his mythological character has been around for thousands of years. His legacy lives on today in art, language, and culture. Whether you are a fan of Greek mythology or just curious about ancient history, learning about Hermes can be an engaging and fascinating experience.