Is Hermes Handsome?

When it comes to Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and messengers. But there’s one question that always pops up – is he handsome

The Legend of Hermes

Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, a nymph. He was born in a cave and soon showed his intelligence and cunning by stealing his half-brother Apollo’s cattle. To make amends, he gifted Apollo a lyre he made with the shell of a tortoise he had found.

As the messenger of the gods, Hermes was known for his speed and agility. He wore winged sandals that allowed him to fly and carried a staff with two snakes coiled around it – the caduceus.

The Appearance of Hermes

While there is no definitive answer to whether Hermes was handsome or not, there are various descriptions of his appearance in Greek mythology.

  • Youthful: Hermes was often depicted as a young man in his prime.
  • Tall: He was said to be tall with broad shoulders.
  • Slim: His body was slim and athletic due to his active lifestyle as a messenger.
  • Bright Eyes: His eyes were described as bright and alert, symbolizing his intelligence and quick wit.

The Beauty Standards of Ancient Greece

To understand whether Hermes would be considered handsome in ancient Greece, it’s important to look at their beauty standards. Greeks valued physical beauty highly and believed it reflected inner goodness.

Men were expected to have a muscular physique with broad shoulders and narrow hips. Facial hair was also considered attractive. However, the ideal of male beauty varied between different city-states and time periods.

The Verdict

Based on the descriptions of Hermes’ appearance and the beauty standards of ancient Greece, it’s safe to say that Hermes was likely considered handsome by their standards. His youthful appearance, tall stature, slim and athletic body, and bright eyes would have been highly valued.

However, it’s important to note that beauty is subjective and varies between cultures and individuals. Ultimately, whether one finds Hermes handsome or not is a matter of personal opinion.

In Conclusion

Hermes may have been known for his intelligence, cunning, and speed as the messenger of the gods, but he was also likely considered handsome by ancient Greek standards. His appearance has been depicted in various ways throughout history, but his youthful looks, tall stature, slim body, and bright eyes are some common features that make him stand out.