Hermes and Baby Dionysus: A Mythical Tale
In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes. He was also the messenger of gods and had the ability to move swiftly between the mortal world and Mount Olympus. On the other hand, Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility, ritual madness, and theater.
The story behind Hermes and Baby Dionysus is an interesting one. It is said that Hera, Zeus’s wife, was jealous of her husband’s extramarital affairs.
When she found out that Zeus had impregnated Semele, a mortal woman who was carrying Dionysus in her womb, she became outraged. She tricked Semele into asking Zeus to reveal his true form to her which led to her death as no mortal could handle the sight of a god in its true form.
However, Zeus managed to save the unborn child by sewing him into his own thigh until he was ready to be born. After Dionysus’s birth, Hermes became his protector and caretaker. He took him under his wing and taught him how to be a god.
The most famous depiction of this story is in a sculpture known as “Hermes with Infant Dionysus” or “Hermes and the Infant Dionysus”. The original sculpture is believed to have been created by Praxiteles in 330 BCE but unfortunately has been lost over time. However, there are many Roman copies that have survived.
The sculpture portrays Hermes holding baby Dionysus in his arms while looking down at him affectionately. The baby is depicted holding grapes which symbolize his future role as the god of wine. This sculpture has become one of the most iconic images in Greek mythology and has been replicated countless times throughout history.
In conclusion, the story behind Hermes and Baby Dionysus is a fascinating tale from Greek mythology that showcases the protective and nurturing nature of Hermes. The sculpture depicting this story has become a symbol of the bond between a god and his ward, and has inspired countless artists throughout the centuries.