When we think of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, we may not immediately associate him with Hades, the god of the underworld. However, there are several myths and legends that connect these two gods. Let’s explore the reasons behind their association.
Guide of Souls
One significant connection between Hermes and Hades is that Hermes was believed to be a guide of souls in ancient Greek mythology. It was his duty to lead the souls of the deceased to the underworld where they would be judged by Hades.
This connection is evident in one of Homer’s epic poems, The Odyssey. In this story, Hermes is sent by Zeus to guide the soul of Odysseus’ mother to the underworld where she can speak with her son.
Theft of Persephone
Another connection between Hermes and Hades is related to a well-known myth about the abduction of Persephone. According to this myth, Hades fell in love with Persephone and kidnapped her while she was picking flowers in a field.
Demeter, Persephone’s mother and goddess of agriculture, was devastated by her daughter’s disappearance. She searched for her daughter everywhere but could not find her.
It was Hermes who eventually found Persephone in the underworld and brought her back to Demeter. This act made Hermes an essential mediator between Hades and Demeter during their conflict over Persephone’s fate.
The Helm of Darkness
In addition to being a guide for souls, Hermes also played a role in aiding his brother Zeus against their father Cronus in their war for power over the universe. One significant way he did this was by helping Zeus obtain a powerful weapon known as the Helm of Darkness or Cap of Invisibility from Hades.
The Helm made whoever wore it invisible and thus invulnerable in battle. In order to obtain the Helm, Hermes snuck into the underworld and tricked Hades into giving it to him. With this weapon, Zeus was able to defeat Cronus and become the king of the gods.
The Messenger of the Gods
Lastly, Hermes’ role as the messenger of the gods also connects him to Hades. As a messenger, Hermes carried messages between different gods and goddesses. In some cases, he would even deliver messages from mortals to the gods.
It is possible that Hermes acted as a messenger between Hades and other gods when necessary. This role made him an essential figure in Greek mythology, as communication played a vital role in maintaining balance among the gods.
In conclusion, while Hermes and Hades may seem like unlikely companions at first glance, their connections run deep in Greek mythology. From guiding souls to stealing powerful weapons, these two gods worked together on several occasions for various reasons. Their stories remind us that even in mythological worlds, alliances can form between unlikely figures.