Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, is a popular character in Greek mythology. He is often portrayed as a youthful messenger with winged sandals and a caduceus – a staff entwined with two serpents.
In the Disney animated movie “Hercules,” Hermes plays an important role as one of the supporting characters. Let’s delve into who Hermes is from Hercules and his significance in Greek mythology.
The Role of Hermes in Hercules
In the movie “Hercules,” Hermes is voiced by Paul Shaffer. He is depicted as a comical yet wise Olympian god who helps Hercules in his quest to become a true hero. Hermes acts as Hercules’ guide throughout the movie and gives him advice on how to defeat Hades, the god of the underworld.
One of the most memorable scenes featuring Hermes is when he teaches Hercules how to be a hero by singing “Zero to Hero.” This musical number highlights how Hermes had watched and helped Hercules grow up from an awkward teenager into a strong and confident hero.
Through his guidance and mentorship, Hermes played an integral part in helping Hercules realize his true potential as a hero.
The Significance of Hermes in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Hermes was one of the twelve Olympian gods who resided on Mount Olympus. He was known for his speed, cunningness, and wit. As the messenger of the gods, he was responsible for delivering messages between them and mortals.
Hermes was also associated with commerce because merchants often prayed to him for good luck on their travels. Additionally, he was considered to be the patron god of thieves because he could move swiftly and discreetly.
In art depictions, Hermes was often shown wearing winged sandals and carrying his caduceus. The caduceus represented peace and goodwill between people because it had powers to calm quarrels and disputes.
Hermes’ Family Tree
Hermes was the son of Zeus, the king of gods, and Maia, the daughter of Atlas. He had many siblings, including Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Ares, Hephaestus, Demeter, Dionysus, Persephone, and Hercules.
In addition to his divine family members, Hermes was known for having many children with both mortals and goddesses. Some of his famous offspring include Pan (with Dryope), Hermaphroditus (with Aphrodite), Autolycus (with Chione), and Abderus (with Opus).
Conclusion
Hermes is an important character in Greek mythology and plays a significant role in the Disney movie “Hercules.” As the messenger of the gods and a patron god of commerce and thieves, Hermes was known for his speed and cunningness. In “Hercules,” he acted as a mentor to the titular character and helped him become a true hero.
Overall, Hermes is a fascinating figure in Greek mythology with many stories surrounding him. His legacy lives on today through various cultural references such as movies like “Hercules” and even modern-day products named after him like luxury brand Hermès.