There has been much debate among scholars and mythology enthusiasts about the relationship between Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and Peitho, the goddess of persuasion and seduction. While some believe that they were married, others argue that their relationship was purely professional. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
The Mythology of Hermes and Peitho
In Greek mythology, Hermes is one of the twelve Olympian gods and is known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes. He is often depicted as a young man wearing a winged helmet and sandals.
On the other hand, Peitho is a minor goddess who was worshipped mainly in Athens. She was believed to be able to persuade people to do things against their will.
According to some ancient texts, Hermes had a romantic relationship with Peitho. In fact, it is said that they were married and had children together. However, other sources claim that their relationship was purely professional.
Evidence Supporting Their Marriage
One piece of evidence supporting their marriage comes from a poem by Sappho called “Hymn to Aphrodite”. In this poem, Sappho mentions “golden-haired Peitho whom Hermes brought” as Aphrodite’s companion.
Another piece of evidence comes from an ancient vase painting which depicts Hermes and Peitho sitting on a throne together with their children around them.
Evidence Against Their Marriage
While there are some pieces of evidence supporting their marriage, there are also several sources that suggest otherwise. For example, in Homer’s epic poem “The Iliad”, Hera refers to Peitho as one of her attendants rather than as Hermes’ wife.
Additionally, in the “Orphic Hymns”, Peitho is described as being the daughter of Aphrodite and not as Hermes’ wife. This would suggest that their relationship was not romantic but rather professional.
The Verdict
While there is evidence both for and against their marriage, it is impossible to say for certain whether Hermes and Peitho were married or not. It is likely that their relationship varied depending on the source and the context in which they were mentioned.
What we do know for sure is that Hermes was a multifaceted god with many responsibilities, and Peitho was a goddess who had the power to persuade people to do things against their will. Whether they were married or not, their roles in Greek mythology remain significant.