Is Hermes Associated With Birds?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, communication, and travelers, is often associated with winged creatures. But is he really associated with birds? Let’s explore this topic in-depth.

Who is Hermes?

Before we delve into the topic of Hermes and birds, let’s have a brief introduction to the god himself. In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the son of Zeus and Maia. He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia and was considered a quick-witted god from his infancy.

Hermes is often depicted as a young man wearing a winged cap and sandals, holding a caduceus – a staff with two entwined snakes – in one hand. He was considered the messenger of gods and was responsible for guiding souls to the underworld.

Hermes and Birds

Now that we have an idea about who Hermes is let’s discuss his association with birds. In ancient Greece, birds were considered messengers between gods and men. Hence it’s not surprising that Hermes, being the messenger god himself, was often associated with them.

One of the most iconic representations of Hermes is his association with the Talaria – his winged sandals. These sandals were said to be made by Hephaestus and allowed Hermes to fly like a bird between the mortal world and Mount Olympus – the home of gods.

Moreover, in some myths, it’s said that Hermes had pet birds that helped him carry messages between gods. One such bird was an eagle called Aetos Dios (the eagle of Zeus), who served as his loyal companion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there isn’t any direct evidence linking Hermes to birds apart from his Talaria, it’s safe to say that he was associated with them due to his role as the messenger god. His Talaria allowed him to fly like a bird, and his pet eagle was his loyal companion. Hence it’s reasonable to say that Hermes is indeed associated with birds in Greek mythology.

References:

  • https://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Hermes/hermes.html
  • https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-europe/hermes-0011085
  • https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/hermes/