What Is Hermes Powers in Hercules?

Hermes is a well-known character in Greek mythology and plays a significant role in the story of Hercules. He is considered as one of the twelve Olympian gods and is known as the messenger of the gods.

Hermes has many powers that make him an essential character in Greek mythology. In this article, we will discuss what Hermes’ powers are and how they relate to Hercules.

Hermes Powers:

1. Messenger of the Gods:
One of Hermes’ primary roles is to be a messenger for the gods, which means he travels between worlds carrying messages. He is often depicted wearing sandals with wings, which allows him to move quickly from place to place.

2. God of Travelers:
Hermes was also considered the god of travelers, which made him an essential deity for those who journeyed long distances. He would often protect travelers from harm and provide them with guidance.

3. Thief God:
Another one of Hermes’ powers was his ability to steal things without being caught. This skill made him useful for stealing back items that had been stolen from others.

4. God of Commerce:
Hermes was also considered the god of commerce and trade, which made him popular among merchants and traders. They believed that he could help them make successful deals and protect their profits.

5. Psychopomp:
Hermes was also known as a psychopomp, which means he guided souls to the afterlife. This made him an important figure in Greek mythology because he helped people transition from life to death.

Hercules and Hermes:

In the story of Hercules, Hermes played a crucial role in helping Hercules complete his tasks. For example:

The Cattle of Geryon:

When Hercules had to steal the cattle of Geryon, Hermes lent him his sandals with wings so he could fly to the island where the cattle were kept. This allowed Hercules to complete the task quickly and efficiently.

Cerberus:

When Hercules had to capture Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guarded the underworld, Hermes helped him navigate through the underworld safely. He also provided Hercules with a magical wand that would put Cerberus to sleep, allowing him to capture the dog without being harmed.

The Golden Apples:

When Hercules had to retrieve the golden apples from the Garden of Hesperides, Hermes once again lent him his sandals with wings. This allowed Hercules to fly to the garden and retrieve the apples before returning them to Eurystheus.

In conclusion, Hermes was an essential character in Greek mythology and played a significant role in helping Hercules complete his tasks. His powers as a messenger of gods, god of travelers and commerce, thief god, and psychopomp made him an important figure in Greek mythology. Without Hermes’ assistance, it is unclear whether Hercules would have been able to complete his tasks successfully.