In Greek mythology, Hermes and Aphrodite are both revered as powerful and influential deities in their own right. However, their son is not often mentioned in mythological tales. Who exactly is Hermes and Aphrodite’s son?
According to some sources, the son of Hermes and Aphrodite is named Hermaphroditus. Hermaphroditus is a unique figure in Greek mythology as he is thought to possess both male and female genitalia. He is often depicted with a masculine upper body and a feminine lower body.
Hermaphroditus’ story begins with his birth. It is said that he was born from an affair between his parents, Hermes and Aphrodite. Some versions of the story suggest that Hermaphroditus was born a male but was later transformed into an intersex being after encountering a water nymph named Salmacis.
The story goes that Salmacis was infatuated with Hermaphroditus’ beauty and tried to seduce him. However, Hermaphroditus rejected her advances.
In retaliation, Salmacis prayed to the gods that she would never be separated from Hermaphroditus. The gods granted her wish, causing the two beings to merge together into one being with both male and female attributes.
Despite his unique physical characteristics, Hermaphroditus was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece. However, he did have some followers who saw him as a symbol of fertility and union between different genders.
In art, Hermaphroditus is often depicted as a youthful figure with delicate features and long hair. He is typically shown nude or partially draped in order to emphasize his dual nature.
In conclusion, while not widely known or worshipped, Hermes and Aphrodite’s son Hermaphroditus holds a significant place in Greek mythology due to his unique physical attributes and the story surrounding his birth.