Is Hermes Zeus Brother or Son?

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Hermes is a well-known Greek god, but his relation to Zeus is often a topic of confusion. Some people believe Hermes to be the brother of Zeus, while others think he is his son.

So, what is the truth? Let’s find out.

Who is Hermes?

Before we look into the relationship between Hermes and Zeus, let’s understand who Hermes was. In Greek mythology, Hermes was known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports. He was also considered as the messenger of gods and had the ability to move freely between the mortal and divine world.

Hermes – Son or Brother of Zeus?

There are different versions of Greek mythology that suggest different relationships between Hermes and Zeus. However, according to most accounts, Hermes was indeed the son of Zeus.

In Greek mythology, it is believed that Zeus had an affair with a nymph named Maia. She gave birth to Hermes in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. Soon after his birth, Hermes displayed extraordinary abilities like cunningness and speed that were unmatched by any other Olympian god.

Confusion about Brotherhood

The confusion about whether Hermes and Zeus were brothers arises from another version of Greek mythology that suggests that there were twelve Olympian gods who were siblings. According to this version, all twelve gods including Zeus and Hermes were born to Kronos (Cronus) and Rhea.

However, this version contradicts other established myths such as the one mentioned earlier about Maia being the mother of Hermes.

The Role of Hermes

Despite being the son of Zeus rather than his brother as some believe, Hermes had a close relationship with his father. As mentioned earlier, he was considered as the messenger of gods and would often carry important messages from Zeus to other gods or mortals.

Moreover, he was also known for his cunningness and would often use his intelligence to help Zeus in various situations. For instance, he played a significant role in helping Zeus defeat the giant Argus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was not the brother of Zeus but his son. The confusion about their relationship arises from different versions of Greek mythology that suggest different family trees. However, the most accepted myth is that Hermes was born to Maia and displayed extraordinary abilities soon after his birth.

Regardless of their relationship, Hermes had a close bond with Zeus and played an important role in Greek mythology as the messenger of gods.

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