Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, travel, and messenger of the gods, is a figure that has fascinated people for centuries. From ancient mythology to modern pop culture, Hermes has been portrayed in various ways.
However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this enigmatic deity. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about Hermes.
Myth #1: Hermes was only the god of thieves
One of the most common misconceptions about Hermes is that he was only the god of thieves. While it’s true that he was often associated with theft and cunning, Hermes had a much broader role in Greek mythology.
He was also the god of commerce, roads, travelers, and messengers. In fact, he was considered to be one of the twelve Olympian gods and held a significant place in Greek religion.
Myth #2: Hermes had wings on his feet
Another popular myth about Hermes is that he had wings on his feet. This misconception comes from artistic depictions of him as a fast messenger with winged sandals. However, in Greek mythology, Hermes did not have wings on his feet but instead wore winged sandals or boots that allowed him to move quickly.
Myth #3: Hermes was always depicted as a young man
It’s often believed that Hermes was always depicted as a young man in Greek mythology. However, this is not entirely accurate. While he was typically portrayed as youthful and athletic with a mischievous grin on his face, he could also appear as an older man or even an infant depending on the story.
Myth #4: Hermes only appeared in Greek mythology
Hermes is often associated with Greek mythology due to his prominent role in it. However, he also appeared in other mythologies such as Roman and Egyptian mythology under different names. In Roman mythology, he was known as Mercury, and in Egyptian mythology, he was associated with the god Thoth.
Myth #5: Hermes was a solitary god
While Hermes is often portrayed as an independent god who worked alone, he also had associations with other gods and goddesses. For example, he was the son of Zeus and Maia and had close relationships with Apollo and Dionysus. He also played a role in the birth of Athena, one of the most important goddesses in Greek mythology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding Hermes. While he was often associated with theft and cunning, he had a much broader role in Greek mythology as the god of commerce, travel, and messenger of the gods.
Despite being typically portrayed as a young man, Hermes could appear in various forms depending on the story. Finally, while he is often associated with Greek mythology, Hermes also appeared in other mythologies under different names. By debunking these common myths about Hermes, we can gain a better understanding of this fascinating deity’s place in ancient mythology.