Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is known for his cunning and mischievous nature. However, he is also known for his numerous affairs and romantic interests. Let’s take a closer look at who Hermes falls in love with.
The Many Loves of Hermes
According to Greek mythology, Hermes had many lovers throughout his life. One of his most notable affairs was with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Their relationship was not only romantic but also strategic, as they worked together to help other gods and mortals find love.
Chione
Hermes’ first recorded lover was Chione, the daughter of a king. He became infatuated with her beauty and pursued her relentlessly until she finally gave in to his advances. Their union resulted in the birth of a son named Autolycus.
Daphne
Hermes’ pursuit of Daphne was not as successful as Chione’s. Daphne was a nymph who rejected all suitors because she wanted to remain chaste.
Despite her rejection, Hermes continued to pursue her until she asked the river god Peneus to help her escape from him. Peneus turned Daphne into a laurel tree to protect her from Hermes.
Persephone
Hermes also had an affair with Persephone, the queen of the Underworld and wife of Hades. He helped Hades abduct Persephone from her mother Demeter’s realm and bring her down to the Underworld. Although their affair was brief, it resulted in the birth of a son named Dionysus.
Other Lovers
In addition to these well-known lovers, Hermes had many other romantic interests. He had affairs with nymphs, mortal women, and even other gods. Some of his notable lovers included Eurydice, the wife of Orpheus; Penelopeia, the wife of Odysseus; and Peitho, the goddess of persuasion.
Conclusion
As we can see, Hermes was a god who was not shy about his romantic pursuits. He had many lovers throughout his life and was known for his charm and cunning when it came to matters of the heart. Whether he was helping other gods find love or pursuing mortal women, Hermes always kept things interesting.