Was Hermes the Brother of Zeus?

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There has been much debate among scholars and enthusiasts alike on the topic of Hermes’ relationship to Zeus. While many believe that Hermes was indeed the brother of Zeus, there are those who argue otherwise. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence and come to a conclusion.

Origins of Hermes

Hermes was born to Maia, one of the Pleiades and Zeus, king of the gods in Greek mythology. He was known for his speed, cunning, and wit.

As the messenger god, he was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and mortals. He was also associated with commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports.

The Relationship between Hermes and Zeus

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was one of Zeus’ many children. However, there is some controversy over whether or not they were actually brothers. Some scholars argue that because Hermes was born from one of Zeus’ affairs with Maia rather than his wife Hera, he cannot be considered a true brother to Zeus.

Contradicting Stories

There are also a few contradictory stories in Greek mythology about their relationship. For example, in one story it is said that when Hermes was born he stole Apollo’s cattle and lied about it.

When Apollo confronted him about it, Hermes offered Apollo his lyre as a way of making amends. In this story, there is no mention of any familial relationship between Hermes and Zeus.

However, in other stories such as The Homeric Hymns and Theogony by Hesiod it is explicitly stated that Hermes is the son of Zeus.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may be some ambiguity around their relationship due to different stories in Greek mythology depicting different familial ties between them – it is widely accepted that Hermes was indeed the brother of Zeus. The evidence supporting their familial bond outweighs any contradictory stories and interpretations.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of their exact relationship, Hermes and Zeus were both important figures in Greek mythology. Hermes’ cunning and speed made him a vital messenger between the gods and mortals, while Zeus’ power as king of the gods made him one of the most feared and respected figures in all of Greek mythology.

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