Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and messenger of the gods, is known for his agility, speed, and cunning. Despite being a beloved god, Hermes has also been associated with some brutal deeds which have left people wondering – who did Hermes kill?
One of the most famous stories about Hermes is the slaying of Argus. Argus was a giant with 100 eyes all over his body who was tasked by Hera to keep an eye on Io, who had been turned into a cow by Zeus.
However, Zeus sent Hermes to rescue Io and distract Argus so that he could kill him. Using his charm and wit, Hermes managed to lull Argus to sleep and then killed him with a stone.
Another story involves the killing of Battos, a shepherd who had witnessed Hermes stealing Apollo’s cattle. To silence Battos and prevent him from revealing the truth to Apollo, Hermes transformed into a wolf and killed him.
In addition to these killings, there are also stories about Hermes causing death indirectly. For example, in one myth, Hermes gave Pandora a box which contained all the evils of the world. When she opened it out of curiosity, it unleashed all kinds of sicknesses and diseases on humanity.
It’s worth noting that despite these brutal deeds associated with him, Hermes was also known as a god who brought luck and prosperity. He was worshipped extensively by merchants and traders who believed that he would bless them with good fortune in their business dealings.
In conclusion, while there are several myths surrounding Hermes’ killings or involvement in deaths in one way or another; there are also many positive tales about this god that highlight his cunning and good luck-bringing nature. It’s up to each individual to interpret these myths in their own way and decide how they view this complex Greek deity from ancient times.