If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then you’ve probably heard of Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers and merchants. But if you’re wondering where his statue is located, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the different places where you can find a statue of Hermes.
The Origin of Hermes
Before we dive into the locations of his statues, let’s have a brief overview of Hermes’ origin story. According to Greek mythology, he was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He was the son of Zeus and Maia, who was one of the seven daughters of Atlas.
As soon as he was born, Hermes showed his mischievous side by stealing his half-brother Apollo’s cattle. When Apollo found out about this theft, he confronted Hermes who denied any involvement in it. However, Apollo eventually caught him and demanded that he return the cattle.
Hermes not only returned the cattle but also invented the lyre from a tortoise shell which he gifted to Apollo as an apology. This act impressed Zeus so much that he appointed Hermes as his messenger.
Statues of Hermes
Now that we know about Hermes’ backstory let’s move on to explore where you can find his statue.
Olympia, Greece
One significant location where you can find a statue of Hermes is at Olympia in Greece. Olympia is known for hosting ancient Olympic Games every four years from 776 BC until 393 AD when they were banned by Roman Emperor Theodosius I.
The temple dedicated to Zeus at Olympia also had several statues dedicated to different gods; one such statue happened to be that of Hermes. Unfortunately, most of these statues are now lost or destroyed due to natural calamities or human intervention over time.
Archaeological Musem, Olympia
If you want to see a statue of Hermes in its full glory, then the best place to visit is the Archaeological Museum at Olympia. The museum houses several sculptures that were recovered from the ruins of ancient Olympia.
One such sculpture is the Hermes of Praxiteles, which dates back to 330 BC. It is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art and depicts Hermes leaning against a tree trunk while holding the infant Dionysus.
Herms
Apart from these two locations, there are also several other types of statues dedicated to Hermes known as Herms. These Herms are pillars or posts with a bust or head of Hermes on top and can be found in various places such as public squares or temples.
For instance, in Athens, you can find several Herms along the street leading to the Acropolis. These Herms were used as boundary stones and also served as votive offerings to Hermes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a statue of Hermes, then your best bet would be either visiting Olympia or checking out Herms in different parts of Greece. While some statues have been lost over time, many still exist and offer us a glimpse into ancient Greek art and mythology.