What Is Hermes Animal and Symbol?

Hermes is one of the most popular gods in Greek mythology. He is known as the messenger of the gods and is often depicted with wings on his sandals and hat, carrying a caduceus, which is a staff with two serpents entwined around it.

However, what many people don’t know is that Hermes was also associated with animals and symbols that have significant meanings. In this article, we will explore what Hermes Animal and Symbol means.

Hermes Animal

Hermes had many animals associated with him, but the most notable one was the ram. The ram was a symbol of power, fertility, and sacrifice in ancient Greece. It was believed that Hermes had a special relationship with this animal because he was born under the sign of Aries – which is represented by a ram.

Another animal that was closely associated with Hermes was the tortoise. According to Greek mythology, Hermes invented the lyre – an instrument that he made using a tortoise shell. The tortoise thus became a symbol of music and creativity.

The third animal that was closely associated with Hermes was the rooster. It was believed that when Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle, he killed one of them and offered it as a sacrifice to Zeus. However, to avoid getting caught for stealing Apollo’s cattle, he disguised himself as a rooster by putting on its feathers.

Hermes Symbol

Apart from animals, there were several symbols associated with Hermes:

1) Caduceus – This is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Hermes. It is a winged staff with two snakes entwined around it. The caduceus represents commerce and negotiation – two things at which Hermes excelled.

2) Talaria – These are winged sandals worn by Hermes in all his depictions. The sandals represent speed and agility – two qualities that were essential for the messenger of the gods.

3) Petasus – This was a wide-brimmed hat worn by Hermes. It symbolized his ability to travel between the mortal and divine realms.

4) Kerykeion – This was a herald’s wand carried by Hermes. It represented authority and power.

In conclusion, Hermes was associated with several animals and symbols that were important in Greek mythology. The ram, tortoise, and rooster were animals that had significant meaning in ancient Greece, while the caduceus, talaria, petasus, and kerykeion were symbols that represented different aspects of Hermes’ personality. Understanding these animals and symbols can help us appreciate the complexity of this god in Greek mythology.