What Bad Things Did Hermes Do?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is known for his mischievous and cunning nature. While he is often depicted as a benevolent figure in mythology, he has also been known to cause trouble for both gods and mortals alike. Here are some of the bad things that Hermes has been associated with:

1. Theft

As the god of thieves, it’s no surprise that Hermes himself has been known to steal. In fact, one of his most famous feats was stealing Apollo’s cattle shortly after he was born. Hermes also stole Zeus’ thunderbolts at one point, causing a great deal of chaos until they were eventually returned.

2. Deception

Hermes is often portrayed as a trickster figure who delights in playing pranks on others. One story tells of how he convinced Apollo to exchange his herd of cattle for a lyre made out of a tortoise shell. Another tale involves him tricking two snakes into devouring each other.

3. Adultery

In addition to being the god of commerce and thieves, Hermes was also associated with fertility and sexuality. As such, he was known for engaging in various romantic affairs outside of his marriage to Aphrodite’s daughter Aglaia.

4. Betrayal

Even among the other gods, Hermes was not always trustworthy. In one story, he betrays his own brother Apollo by secretly helping an mortal named Battus win a contest that was meant to be won by Apollo.

5. Murder

While not as well-known as some of his other misdeeds, there are stories that accuse Hermes of committing murder as well. One tale tells how he killed the giant Argus who had been tasked with guarding Zeus’ lover Io.

Overall, Hermes may have been a beloved figure in Greek mythology, but he was certainly not without his faults. Whether it was theft, deception, adultery, betrayal, or even murder, the god had a reputation for causing trouble wherever he went.