Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, travel, and thieves, was also known for his mischievous nature. He was a trickster who loved to play pranks on both gods and mortals alike. In this article, we will explore how Hermes became a trickster and what he did to earn this reputation.
The Birth of Hermes
Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, one of the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.
From a very young age, Hermes displayed an unusual talent for trickery. He stole his older brother Apollo’s cattle on the day he was born and then cleverly hid them so that they couldn’t be found.
Hermes’ Mischievous Nature
As he grew older, Hermes continued to display his mischievous nature. He enjoyed playing pranks on both gods and mortals alike.
One of his favorite tricks was stealing from his fellow gods. He would sneak into their homes or temples and steal their belongings while they were asleep or away.
Hermes’ love for pranks knew no bounds. Once he even played a prank on Apollo by inventing the lyre, which Apollo then traded for all of his cattle that Hermes had previously stolen! Another time he played a trick on Hera by putting a golden crown on her head while she slept.
The Role of Hermes as Messenger God
Despite his reputation as a trickster, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology as the messenger god. He was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and mortals. He also guided souls to the underworld after death.
In addition to being a messenger god, Hermes was also associated with commerce and trade. As such, he became the patron deity of merchants and traders.
The Legacy of Hermes as a Trickster
Hermes’ reputation as a trickster has endured throughout the centuries. His mischievous nature has been celebrated in literature, art, and popular culture. He has been portrayed in countless plays, books, and movies as a cunning and witty character who always manages to outsmart his opponents.
In conclusion, Hermes was one of the most intriguing figures in Greek mythology.
Despite his mischievous nature, he played an important role as the messenger god and became the patron deity of commerce and trade. His legacy as a trickster continues to be celebrated in popular culture today.