Hermes, the Greek God of commerce, thieves, and travellers was known for his playful and mischievous nature. He was also considered as the messenger of the Gods and had a keen sense of humor.
However, when it comes to love, Hermes had his fair share of romantic affairs with both Gods and mortals alike. But the question that remains is – who did Hermes love the most? Let’s explore.
His Wife – Charites
Hermes was married to Charites, also known as Aglaea, one of the three Graces who were daughters of Zeus and Eurynome. Charites was the Goddess of beauty, charm, and creativity. She was known for her radiance and gracefulness which made her a perfect match for Hermes.
The Nymph – Dryope
Apart from his wife Charites, Hermes fell in love with Dryope, a nymph who lived in Arcadia. According to mythology, Hermes had disguised himself as a tortoise and played sweet melodies on his lyre which attracted Dryope towards him. The two fell in love and eventually had a son named Pan.
The Mortal – Herse
One of Hermes’ most well-known love affairs was with Herse, a mortal princess whom he met while visiting Athens. He immediately fell in love with her beauty and tried to woo her by showing off his many talents including music and poetry. However, Herse’s father did not approve of their relationship which led to some complications.
The Conclusion
So who did Hermes love the most? It’s difficult to say for sure since he had multiple romantic relationships throughout his life. However, it’s clear that he shared a special bond with each one of them whether it was his wife Charites or the mortal princess Herse.
- Charites – Hermes’ wife and the Goddess of beauty, charm, and creativity
- Dryope – The nymph with whom Hermes had a son named Pan
- Herse – The mortal princess whom Hermes fell in love with while visiting Athens
In conclusion, Hermes was a God who loved deeply and passionately. His many romantic affairs were a testament to his playful and mischievous nature. But ultimately, it’s up to interpretation as to who he loved the most.