Have you ever wondered what the Greek god Hermes, known for his speed and cunning, could possibly be afraid of? Despite being one of the most powerful and revered gods in Greek mythology, Hermes too had his fears that he kept hidden from the mortal world. Let’s take a deeper look at what could have possibly shaken up the messenger of gods.
The Fear of Being Betrayed
Although he was known for his wit and charm, Hermes was also infamous for his love for trickery and mischief. He often played pranks on other gods and even mortals, which earned him both admiration and fear. However, with this love for mischief came a deep-seated fear of being betrayed by those close to him.
According to mythological tales, Hermes once stole Apollo’s cattle and used his cunning to avoid being caught by the god of music. However, when Zeus found out about it, he forced Hermes to return the cattle to Apollo. This incident left Hermes feeling vulnerable and exposed to betrayal from those whom he once considered friends.
The Fear of Being Punished
As a messenger of gods, Hermes was tasked with delivering important messages between gods and mortals. However, this responsibility also came with the risk of making mistakes that could lead to severe consequences. Hermes feared that he would make an error in judgment or fail in his duties as a messenger.
One such incident occurred when Hermes was entrusted with carrying Persephone back to her mother Demeter after Hades had abducted her. However, during their journey back to Demeter’s temple, Hermes stopped at a nearby river where he fell asleep.
When he woke up, Persephone had disappeared without a trace. This mistake haunted him for years afterward as it led to Demeter’s wrath upon humanity.
The Fear of Losing His Powers
Hermes was known for his exceptional speed and agility, which made him one of the most powerful gods in Greek mythology. However, he feared that he would lose his abilities and become powerless.
According to mythological tales, Hermes once fell in love with a mortal woman named Chione. However, she rejected his advances, which caused him to become so heartbroken that he lost his powers for a brief period. This incident made Hermes realize that even gods were not immune to the pain of rejection and loss.
The Fear of Being Forgotten
Despite his many accomplishments and feats, Hermes feared that he would be forgotten by future generations. He worried that the mortals would stop worshipping him or that other gods would overshadow his legacy.
In an effort to secure his place in history, Hermes often took on various roles and responsibilities, such as being the god of commerce and travelers. He also ensured that people remembered him by creating inventions such as the lyre and alphabet.
In conclusion, although Hermes was known for his confidence and wit, he too had fears like any other god or mortal. His fear of betrayal, punishment, losing power or being forgotten is relatable to all of us in some way. It reminds us that even the most powerful beings have vulnerabilities they must overcome.