Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, is often portrayed as a mischievous trickster. But was he truly good or evil? Let’s explore his character and actions to find out.
Hermes’ Role in Greek Mythology
Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven daughters of Atlas. He was known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, and border crossings. He was also the messenger of the gods and had the ability to move freely between the mortal world and Mount Olympus.
The Good Side of Hermes
Despite being a trickster god, Hermes had many positive qualities. He was quick-witted, clever, and had a great sense of humor.
He was also a protector of merchants and travelers, ensuring they were safe on their journeys. Additionally, he invented many useful items such as the lyre and flute.
Protector of Travelers
One example of Hermes’ good nature is when he came across two snakes fighting. He separated them with his staff and discovered that one snake had stolen food from the other. Hermes returned what was stolen to its rightful owner and ensured that both snakes were fed before continuing on his journey.
The Inventor
Hermes’ inventions greatly benefited society. The lyre provided entertainment while the flute could calm people’s minds with its soothing melodies. He also created fire sticks which made it easier for people to make fire.
The Dark Side of Hermes
Hermes’ mischievous nature sometimes caused trouble for others. For example, he stole Apollo’s cattle shortly after being born. When Apollo confronted him about it, Hermes denied any involvement until Apollo found evidence linking him to the theft.
The Trickster God
Another example is when Hermes tricked Argus, a giant with a hundred eyes, into falling asleep by telling him a long and boring story. Once Argus fell asleep, Hermes killed him, freeing Io from her captivity.
The Patron Saint of Thieves
Hermes was also known as the patron saint of thieves. While he protected travelers, he also had a reputation for stealing from them. In his role as the god of commerce and thieves, he would sometimes help people steal from others or protect them as they did so.
Conclusion
So was Hermes good or evil? The answer is not so straightforward.
Like many mythical figures, he had both positive and negative aspects to his character. While he was a protector of travelers and inventor of useful items, his mischievous nature sometimes caused trouble for others. Overall, it’s up to each individual to decide whether they view Hermes as a hero or villain.