Are you a fan of Greek mythology? If so, you might be familiar with Hermes, the messenger god.
He is often depicted wearing a helmet with wings on either side. But what is this helmet called? Let’s dive into the world of Greek mythology to find out.
Who Was Hermes?
Before we get into the name of his helmet, let’s talk a little bit about who Hermes was. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. He was known as the messenger god, as well as the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.
Hermes was often depicted wearing his winged sandals and his winged helmet, which allowed him to travel quickly from place to place.
The Petasos
The helmet that Hermes is often depicted wearing is called a petasos. The petasos was a wide-brimmed hat that had ties to fasten it under the chin. It was commonly worn by travelers and messengers in ancient Greece.
While the petasos wasn’t always depicted with wings in ancient art, it eventually became associated with Hermes and his role as a messenger god. Over time, artists began to depict Hermes wearing a winged version of the petasos instead.
The Symbolism of the Helmet
In addition to being a practical accessory for messengers and travelers in ancient Greece, the petasos also had symbolic significance. The wide brim offered protection from both sun and rain, while the ties under the chin kept it secure during journeys.
The addition of wings to Hermes’ helmet further emphasized his role as a messenger god. The wings allowed him to travel quickly from place to place and deliver messages at lightning speed.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – while not always depicted with wings in ancient art, Hermes’ helmet is called a petasos. This wide-brimmed hat was worn by travelers and messengers in ancient Greece, but became associated with Hermes due to his role as a messenger god.
The addition of wings to the petasos emphasized Hermes’ ability to travel quickly and deliver messages at lightning speed. It’s just one of the many fascinating symbols and accessories associated with Greek mythology.