Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries, was a popular figure in ancient Greek mythology. Known for his cunning and agility, Hermes was often called the messenger of the gods. However, like all the gods in Greek mythology, Hermes had his enemies.
One of Hermes’ most prominent enemies was Apollo, the god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. The two gods were often at odds with each other due to their different temperaments. While Hermes was known for his trickery and mischief-making nature, Apollo was more straightforward and serious.
The story goes that one day Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle and led them away from their grazing fields to his own hidden cave. When Apollo discovered what had happened to his cattle, he became furious and demanded that Hermes return them immediately.
However, instead of giving back the cattle as requested by Apollo, Hermes played another trick on him. He fashioned a lyre out of a tortoise shell and presented it to Apollo as a gift. The lyre fascinated Apollo so much that he forgot about his lost cattle and forgave Hermes for stealing them.
Another enemy of Hermes was Hera, the queen of the gods. Hera despised Hermes because he was born from an affair between Zeus (her husband) and Maia (a nymph). To get back at her husband’s illegitimate son, Hera spread rumors about him being a thief and liar.
Despite facing opposition from these two powerful gods (and others), Hermes continued to be one of the most beloved figures in Greek mythology. His quick wit and ability to outsmart even the most powerful gods made him an endearing character in ancient Greek culture.
In conclusion, while Hermes had several enemies in Greek mythology (including Apollo and Hera), he remained a beloved figure due to his cunning nature and ability to outsmart even the most powerful opponents.