What Did Hermes Control?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, was known for his agility, speed, and wit. He was a messenger of the gods and had control over various aspects of life.

From trade to thievery, Hermes had an influential role to play in the lives of ancient Greeks. Let’s take a closer look at what Hermes controlled.

Trade and Commerce

One of the key areas that Hermes controlled was trade and commerce. He was known as the patron deity of merchants and traders.

The Greeks believed that Hermes provided them with good luck during their business transactions. They would often offer sacrifices to him before engaging in any commercial activity.

Travel and Movement

Hermes was also considered the god of travel and movement. He was believed to have the ability to move freely between the mortal world and the underworld without any hindrance. The Greeks believed that invoking his name before embarking on a journey would ensure a safe passage.

Thievery

Interestingly, Hermes also controlled thievery. However, it wasn’t necessarily viewed as a negative aspect as one might think today.

In ancient Greece, thievery was often seen as an act of skill rather than criminal behavior. Hermes was considered the patron deity of thieves and pickpockets who were thought to be blessed by him with dexterity and cleverness.

Linguistics

Hermes also had control over linguistics. He was known as the god of eloquence and language, which made him popular among orators and wordsmiths alike. It is said that he invented the Greek alphabet and taught it to mortals.

Diplomacy

Being a messenger of gods also gave Hermes control over diplomacy. His quick-wittedness made him an ideal mediator between conflicting parties. The Greeks believed that invoking his name during negotiations would result in a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was a multifaceted god who controlled various aspects of life. His influence extended from trade and commerce to travel, thievery, linguistics, and even diplomacy.

The Greeks revered him for his agility, wit, and cleverness. Even today, his legacy lives on as a symbol of good luck, eloquence, and cunningness.