What Is the Myth of Hermes?

In Greek mythology, Hermes is one of the most intriguing gods. He is known for his cunning, wit, and agility. As the messenger of the gods, he was tasked with delivering messages between the various gods and goddesses of Olympus.

But who was Hermes? What is the myth surrounding him? Let’s take a closer look.

Origins of Hermes

Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, one of the Pleiades. It’s said that he was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, Greece. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable intelligence and ability to think on his feet.

The Myth of Hermes

One of the most well-known myths surrounding Hermes is his theft of Apollo’s cattle. According to the story, Hermes stole a herd of cows from Apollo and disguised their tracks by leading them backward to his own dwelling. When Apollo discovered what had happened, he went to confront Hermes about it.

Hermes denied stealing the cattle but eventually admitted to it when Apollo threatened him with physical harm. To make amends for his misdeed, Hermes gave Apollo a lyre that he had created using a turtle shell.

Another myth involving Hermes centers around his role as the messenger of the gods. In this story, Zeus sends him to rescue Io from Argus Panoptes who had been commanded by Hera to watch over her after she had been transformed into a cow.

Using his wit and cunning nature, Hermes manages to put Argus Panoptes to sleep by telling him stories until he falls asleep. He then kills Argus Panoptes and frees Io from her imprisonment.

The Importance of Hermes

Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology as both a trickster god and messenger of the gods. As such, he embodied both positive and negative qualities such as trickery, intelligence, and agility.

In addition to his role as messenger, he was also associated with commerce, trade, and thieves. This is due to his ability to move quickly and his association with cunning and deceit.

Conclusion

The myth of Hermes is one that has been passed down for generations. It’s a tale of wit, trickery, and cunning that has captured the imaginations of people all over the world. Through his exploits as a messenger of the gods and trickster god, Hermes has become an important figure in Greek mythology.