When it comes to Greek mythology, two names that often come up together are Hermes and Apollo. Both were major deities in the pantheon, but were they friends? Let’s take a closer look at their relationship.
The Roles of Hermes and Apollo
Before we delve into their friendship, let’s first examine the roles that Hermes and Apollo played in Greek mythology.
Hermes was the messenger of the gods, as well as the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. He was known for his cunning and wit, often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus (a staff with two snakes wrapped around it).
Apollo, on the other hand, was the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He was also associated with the sun and light. He was often depicted with a lyre or bow and arrow.
Were They Friends?
While there is no clear-cut answer to this question as it is not explicitly stated in Greek mythology whether they were friends or not, there are several stories that suggest they had a mutual respect for each other.
One such story involves a musical contest between them. According to legend, Apollo challenged Hermes to a music contest with a prize of cattle from Apollo’s herd.
Hermes accepted the challenge and created his own instrument – a lyre made from a tortoise shell – to compete against Apollo’s lyre. In the end, Zeus declared Hermes the winner for his cleverness in creating an instrument out of an unlikely source.
In another story, Hermes stole some of Apollo’s cattle as a prank. When Apollo found out what had happened, he confronted Hermes about it. However, instead of becoming angry or seeking revenge like some other gods might have done in similar situations, Apollo instead laughed off the incident and forgave Hermes.
Conclusion
While we can’t say for sure whether they were friends or not, it’s clear that Hermes and Apollo had a mutual respect for each other. Whether they were competing against each other or pulling pranks, they seemed to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate each other’s talents.
In the end, their relationship serves as a reminder that even in the world of the gods, friendships can form between unlikely pairs.