Who Are Hermes Family Members?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, is known for his speed and cunning. He is also known for being the messenger of the gods and conducting souls to the underworld.

However, Hermes has a rich family history that often goes overlooked. In this article, we will explore the various members of Hermes’ family.

Hermes’ Parents

Hermes’ mother was Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and a nymph. His father was Zeus, the king of the gods.

According to Greek mythology, Zeus seduced Maia in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. From this union, Hermes was born.

Hermes’ Siblings

Hermes had several siblings from both his mother’s and father’s side. Some of his siblings include:

  • Apollo: The god of music, poetry, prophecy and healing.
  • Athena: The goddess of wisdom and warfare.
  • Artemis: The goddess of hunting, childbirth and virginity.
  • Dionysus: The god of wine, parties and festivals.
  • Persephone: The queen of the underworld.

Hermes’ Consorts

Hermes had multiple consorts throughout his life. Some of them include:

  • Dryope: A nymph who gave birth to Pan after her union with Hermes.
  • Chione: A mortal princess who gave birth to Autolycus after her union with Hermes.
  • Aphrodite: The goddess of love who had an affair with Hermes according to some accounts.

Hermes’ Children

Hermes had many children from his various consorts. Some of them include:

  • Pan: The god of the wild, shepherds and flocks.
  • Autolycus: The god of thievery and deception.
  • Eurydice: A nymph who bore him several children including the god of war, Enyalius.
  • Abderus: A mortal who was a close companion to Hercules.

Conclusion

As we can see, Hermes had a diverse family with members from both mortal and divine realms. From his siblings to his children, each member played a unique role in Greek mythology. While Hermes’ speed and cunning often take center stage, it is important to acknowledge the rich family history that surrounded this remarkable figure.