What Did Hermes Do for Hades?

|

thedutchladydesigns

by

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, communication, and trickery, played a significant role in Greek mythology. One of his most notable feats was aiding Hades, the god of the underworld.

So what exactly did Hermes do for Hades? Let’s dive into the story and find out.

The Abduction of Persephone

To fully understand Hermes’ involvement with Hades, we first need to know about the abduction of Persephone. According to Greek mythology, Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility. One day while picking flowers in a field, Hades emerged from the underworld and abducted Persephone to be his wife.

Demeter was devastated by her daughter’s disappearance and searched frantically for her. Eventually, she learned that Hades had taken Persephone to the underworld. Demeter was furious and refused to let anything grow on earth until her daughter was returned.

Hermes’ Role

This is where Hermes comes in. Zeus realized that if Demeter continued withholding her blessings from earth, there would be a catastrophic famine. He sent Hermes to negotiate with Hades for Persephone’s release.

Hermes traveled to the underworld and spoke with Hades on behalf of Zeus. He explained how Demeter’s actions were causing chaos on earth and urged him to release Persephone so that she could return home.

At first, Hades refused to let Persephone go. He claimed that she had eaten pomegranate seeds while in the underworld which meant she was bound to stay there forever. However, Hermes had a trick up his sleeve.

The Pomegranate Seeds

Hermes knew that if he couldn’t convince Hades to release Persephone willingly, he would have to find another way. He offered Hades a compromise. Persephone could return to earth and her mother, but she would have to spend six months out of the year in the underworld with Hades.

Hades agreed to this deal, and Hermes returned to earth with Persephone. Demeter was overjoyed to have her daughter back and blessed the land with fertility once again. And so it was that Persephone spent six months out of every year in the underworld with Hades, causing the cycle of seasons.

Hermes’ Legacy

Hermes’ involvement in this story highlights his skills as a negotiator and his role as a messenger between the gods. He was able to find a solution that satisfied both Hades and Demeter, ultimately benefiting all of Greece.

In Greek mythology, Hermes is also known for his cleverness and trickery. His ability to come up with a compromise that satisfied both parties is just one example of this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes played a crucial role in securing Persephone’s release from the underworld. His negotiation skills allowed him to find a solution that pleased all parties involved, even if it meant compromising on certain terms. This story highlights not only Hermes’ importance in Greek mythology but also how compromise can be an effective way to solve conflicts.

10 Related Question Answers Found

What Did Hermes Do for Zeus?

In Greek mythology, Hermes was a messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers, thieves, and merchants. He was also known as the god of commerce, cunning, and invention. One of the most significant roles he played was serving as a loyal servant to Zeus, the king of the gods.

How Did Hermes Help Hades?

Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology. He was also the patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves. However, his role in helping Hades, the god of the underworld, is often overlooked.

What Did Hermes Do in the Odyssey?

The Greek god Hermes plays a significant role in Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. As the son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes serves as the messenger of the gods and is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus staff. Throughout the Odyssey, Hermes appears several times to aid or hinder Odysseus on his journey home.

What Did Zeus Do Hermes?

Zeus was the king of all gods and goddesses in Greek mythology. He was known for his power and authority, but he was also known for his many affairs and children. One of his children was Hermes, who is considered the messenger of the gods.

What Did Hermes Do to Apollo?

Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and Apollo, the god of music, poetry and prophecy were both sons of Zeus. Despite being related, these two gods had a bitter rivalry that lasted for centuries. The story goes that Hermes once stole Apollo’s prized cattle, but what really happened between them?

What Did Hermes Do in the Trojan War?

If you have ever read or heard anything about the Trojan War, then you must have come across the name Hermes. Hermes, a Greek God, played an important role in the Trojan War. In this article, we will explore what he did during this epic battle.

What Did Apollo Do to Hermes?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, was known for his quick wit and cunning. However, there is a lesser-known story about Hermes and Apollo that sheds some light on their relationship. According to the myth, Hermes was born in a cave and immediately showed his precociousness by stealing Apollo’s cattle on the very first day of his life.

How Does Hermes Help Hades?

Hermes, the messenger of the gods, plays a crucial role in aiding Hades, the god of the underworld. The Greek mythology is filled with fascinating stories and characters, and Hermes and Hades are two of the most prominent ones. Let’s take a closer look at how Hermes helps Hades.

What Does Hermes Do in the Odyssey?

The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells the story of Odysseus and his journey back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Throughout his journey, Odysseus encounters many gods and goddesses, including Hermes. But what does Hermes do in the Odyssey?

What Role Did Hermes Play in the Odyssey?

In the epic poem, the Odyssey, Hermes plays a significant role in helping Odysseus on his journey back home to Ithaca. As the messenger of the gods, Hermes is often tasked with delivering important messages and aiding mortals in their quests. Hermes as a Guide One of Hermes’ most notable roles in the Odyssey is serving as a guide for Odysseus.