When it comes to Greek mythology, the gods and their relationships with one another can be quite complex. One question that often arises is whether Hermes, the messenger god, was friends with Zeus, the king of the gods.
Who was Hermes?
Before we delve into their relationship, let’s first take a look at who Hermes was. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia.
He was known as the messenger god and was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a helmet. Hermes also had other roles such as being the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.
Who was Zeus?
Zeus on the other hand was the king of all gods and goddesses in Greek mythology. He was also known as the god of sky and thunder. Zeus was often depicted with a lightning bolt in his hand.
Their Relationship
Now that we have a basic understanding of who these two gods were, let’s explore their relationship. According to Greek mythology, Hermes had a close relationship with his father Zeus. In fact, he was one of the few gods that could communicate directly with Zeus.
There are many myths that depict their friendship such as when Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle and offered them to Zeus as a gift. This act pleased Zeus so much that he allowed Hermes to keep some of the cattle for himself.
Another myth involves Hermes helping Zeus when he fell in love with Io, a mortal woman. Zeus had transformed Io into a cow to protect her from his jealous wife Hera but Hera soon found out about it. To help his father out, Hermes distracted Hera by telling her stories while Zeus turned Io back into a human.
Their relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing though. There were times when they disagreed such as when Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. While Zeus wanted to punish Prometheus severely, Hermes argued for mercy.
The Role of Hermes in Greek Mythology
Aside from his relationship with Zeus, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology. As the messenger god, he delivered messages between the gods and mortals. He was also associated with travelers and was often invoked for protection during journeys.
In addition, Hermes was also known as the patron of thieves and merchants. He was believed to watch over those who engaged in trade and commerce.
Conclusion
So, was Hermes friends with Zeus? According to Greek mythology, yes he was.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect and admiration despite some disagreements along the way. Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology not just as a friend to Zeus but also as the messenger god, patron of travelers, and protector of merchants.