Hermes, the Greek god of trade, thieves, and travelers, is often portrayed as a jovial and carefree deity. He’s depicted with a winged hat and shoes that allow him to move quickly throughout the world.
However, like any other god in Greek mythology, Hermes had his own dislikes and pet peeves. In this article, we’ll explore some of the things that Hermes hated.
Theft
As the god of thieves, it may seem strange that Hermes would hate theft. However, Hermes was known as a god who valued fair play and honesty.
He didn’t appreciate when people stole from others without good reason or justification. In fact, there’s a story in Greek mythology where Hermes punishes a man named Autolycus for stealing from others.
Lies
Hermes was also known as a tricky god who liked to play pranks on other gods and mortals. However, he drew the line at lies.
As the messenger of the gods, he valued truthfulness above all else. In one mythological tale, Hermes punishes Apollo for lying about his cattle being stolen.
Disrespect
Hermes was a revered figure in ancient Greece, and people often prayed to him for safe travels and good fortune in business dealings. As such, he expected to be treated with respect and reverence by mortals. He didn’t take kindly to those who insulted him or mocked him in any way.
Slowpokes
As the god of speed and agility, it should come as no surprise that Hermes had little patience for slow-moving creatures. He couldn’t stand anything or anyone that slowed him down or impeded his progress in any way.
Hera
Finally, Hermes had a deep-seated dislike for Hera, the wife of Zeus (Hermes’ father). Hera was known for her jealousy and vindictiveness, and she often took out her anger on Hermes. In one myth, she punishes him for stealing Apollo’s cattle by placing a curse on him that causes him to fall asleep for several days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hermes was a god who prized laughter and mischief, he also had his own dislikes and pet peeves. Theft, lies, disrespect, slowpokes, and Hera were all things that Hermes hated. By understanding these aspects of the god of trade and travelers, we can gain a deeper appreciation for his complex character in Greek mythology.