In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods, but he also has an important role in the underworld. As the son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes was considered to be a cunning and mischievous god who could easily move between the mortal world and the divine realm. In this article, we will explore Hermes’ job in the underworld and how it contributed to Greek mythology.
Who Is Hermes?
Before diving into his job in the underworld, let’s first discuss who Hermes is. As mentioned earlier, Hermes is known as a messenger of the gods.
He was often depicted wearing wings on his sandals or helmet, which allowed him to travel quickly between different places. He was also known for his quick wit and ability to deceive others.
In addition to being a messenger, Hermes also had other responsibilities. He was considered to be the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, and even shepherds. With such a diverse range of roles, it’s no surprise that he also had a job in the underworld.
Hermes’ Role in The Underworld
Hermes’ job in the underworld was to guide souls from Earth to their final resting place in Hades. When someone died, their soul would travel down to Hades where they would be judged by three judges: Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus. Depending on their actions during life, they would either be sent to Elysium (a paradise for heroes) or Tartarus (a place of punishment).
Once their fate had been determined by these judges, it was up to Hermes to ensure that they were taken to their designated location within Hades. This involved leading them through various obstacles such as crossing rivers and passing through gates.
The Role of Psychopomps
Hermes’ role as a guide for souls is not unique to Greek mythology. In fact, many cultures have their own version of a psychopomp – a being that guides the souls of the dead to their final destination. These can include angels, demons, or even animals such as dogs.
In Greek mythology, Hermes was not the only psychopomp. Other gods such as Charon (who ferried souls across the river Styx) and Hecate (goddess of witchcraft and magic) also had roles in guiding souls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes’ job in the underworld was an important one. As a psychopomp, he ensured that souls were taken to their designated location within Hades.
This role was not unique to Greek mythology and can be found in many other cultures. With his quick wit and ability to deceive others, Hermes was well-suited for this job and played an important role in Greek mythology overall.