Was Argus Killed by Hermes?

|

thedutchladydesigns

by

Throughout Greek mythology, Argus is known as a many-eyed giant with the ability to see all things. But his story takes a dark turn when he becomes an obstacle for Hermes, the messenger of the gods. The question that arises is whether Hermes killed Argus or not?

The Myth of Argus

Argus was a giant with one hundred eyes, who was tasked by Hera to watch over Io, a nymph whom Zeus had transformed into a cow to hide her from his wife. However, Hermes was sent by Zeus to rescue Io and kill Argus.

To do so, Hermes disguised himself as a shepherd and played music on his lyre to lull Argus into sleep. Once he fell asleep, Hermes killed him with his sword.

Arguments for Hermes Killing Argus

The myth of Argus portrays him as an antagonist who is standing in the way of Zeus and his plan to save Io. Additionally, the story highlights how Hermes used his wit and intelligence to outsmart Argus and complete his task. Moreover, there are many depictions in art that show Hermes holding a sword or wearing winged sandals while standing over the lifeless body of Argus.

Counterarguments against Hermes Killing Argus

There are some scholars who argue that it was not Hermes who killed Argus but rather it was the gods who took pity on him and put him out of his misery. The reasoning behind this argument is that in some versions of the myth it is said that after killing Argus, Hermes felt guilty for taking away such an amazing creature’s life.

Another argument against this theory is that if we look at other versions of the story where it is not mentioned that Hermes killed him directly but rather just put him to sleep or distracted him with music, then it could be argued that someone else might have come along and finished the job after he left.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to whether Hermes killed Argus or not. It ultimately comes down to personal interpretation and analysis of the various sources of information available. However, regardless of who killed him, the story of Argus remains a fascinating tale of wits and cunning in Greek mythology.

6 Related Question Answers Found

Did Hermes Kill Anyone?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes is a fascinating figure in Greek mythology. He is known for his speed, agility, and cunning nature. However, there have been numerous stories about Hermes being involved in violent acts that led people to question if he ever killed anyone.

Is Hermes Dead?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and communication, has been a vital figure in ancient mythology. With his winged sandals and hat, he was known as the messenger of the gods, delivering messages from one deity to another. However, with the decline of polytheism and the rise of modern religions, many have wondered if Hermes is still relevant in today’s world.

Did Hermes Ever Die?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, is one of the most famous and revered gods in Greek mythology. He is widely known for his speed and agility, which he used to deliver messages to the gods and mortals alike. However, there is one question that has puzzled many: did Hermes ever die?

Did Hermes Die?

The question of whether Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, died is one that has puzzled scholars and enthusiasts alike. While there is no clear-cut answer to this question, there are several theories and legends that attempt to shed light on this enigmatic figure’s fate. One legend suggests that Hermes was born from the union of Zeus and Maia, a nymph.

Did Hermes Steal From Apollo?

In Greek mythology, Hermes and Apollo were both sons of Zeus, but they had very different roles. Apollo was the god of music, poetry, and prophecy, while Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. However, their paths crossed in a story that has been debated for centuries: did Hermes steal from Apollo The story goes that Apollo had a herd of cattle that he cherished dearly.

Did Kratos Kill Hermes?

Introduction Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War series, is known for his brutal and unforgiving nature. He is a Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the gods who have wronged him. One of those gods is Hermes, the messenger god.