Was Hermes Good Looking?

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then you must be familiar with the name Hermes. He is known as the messenger of the gods, the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.

But there’s been an ongoing debate on whether or not he was good-looking. Let’s explore this topic further.

Appearance of Hermes

Hermes is often depicted in ancient Greek art as a young man with a beardless face and short curly hair. He has wings on his shoes and a caduceus in his hand. The caduceus is a staff with two snakes wrapped around it, which was used as a symbol of healing.

The Debate

There are two opposing views on whether or not Hermes was good-looking. Some argue that he was handsome because he was the son of Zeus and Maia, who were both gods. They believe that his divine heritage would have made him attractive to mortals and gods alike.

On the other hand, some argue that his appearance wasn’t attractive because he was often associated with thieves and trickery. They believe that his cunning nature would have made him appear sly and untrustworthy.

Ancient Texts

Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about Hermes’ appearance in ancient texts. However, there are some descriptions that give us an idea of what he may have looked like.

In “The Homeric Hymn to Hermes,” he is described as “slenderly built” and “quick-moving.” The text also mentions that he had sandals with golden wings on them.

Another text that describes Hermes’ appearance is “Theogony” by Hesiod. In this text, Hermes is described as having “a kind look” and being “very persuasive.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not Hermes was good-looking remains a topic of debate. While his appearance isn’t described in detail in ancient texts, he is often depicted as a young man with a beardless face and short curly hair. Whether or not he was attractive would likely depend on personal preferences and cultural beliefs during his time.

However, one thing is certain – Hermes was an important figure in Greek mythology, and his legacy lives on to this day.