Hermes, the Greek God of commerce and communication, is one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology. He is known for his cunning, speed, and wit.
Hermes was also the messenger of the gods and was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged hat. In this article, we will explore the myth story of Hermes.
The Birth of Hermes
Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a nymph. According to mythology, Zeus fell in love with Maia and impregnated her while she was sleeping. When Hermes was born, he immediately displayed his cunning by sneaking out of his cradle and stealing Apollo’s cattle.
The Theft of Apollo’s Cattle
Apollo soon discovered that his cattle were missing and accused Hermes of stealing them. However, Hermes denied it and even went so far as to invent the lyre to appease Apollo’s anger. The lyre was a musical instrument made from a tortoise shell with strings stretched over it.
Hermes’ Cunning saved him from being punished by Apollo for stealing his cattle. He not only denied the accusation but also presented Apollo with an instrument that would change music forever.
Messenger of the Gods
Hermes became the messenger of the gods due to his speed and agility. He could travel quickly between Mount Olympus (the home of the gods) and Earth to deliver messages or perform tasks for them.
His Speed made him an ideal choice for this role as he could travel great distances in a short amount of time.
The Winged Sandals
One of Hermes’ most famous attributes is his winged sandals. These sandals allowed him to fly through the air at incredible speeds, making him even more efficient as a messenger.
The Winged Sandals were a gift from Zeus, who was impressed with Hermes’ cunning and speed.
Hermes in Art
Hermes has been depicted in art for centuries. In many depictions, he is shown wearing his winged sandals and holding the caduceus, a staff with two snakes wrapped around it.
- The Winged Sandals: Artists often depict Hermes wearing his winged sandals to represent his speed and agility.
- The Caduceus: The caduceus is a symbol of commerce and communication, making it an appropriate symbol for Hermes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes was one of the most important figures in Greek mythology. He was known for his cunning, speed, and agility.
He was also the messenger of the gods and was often depicted wearing his winged sandals and holding the caduceus. Whether you’re interested in mythology or not, there’s no denying that Hermes is an intriguing character that has fascinated people for centuries.