Who Is Hermes Mother?

Hermes is one of the most popular Olympian gods in Greek mythology. He is known as the messenger of the gods and the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.

But who is Hermes’ mother? Let’s dive into his family history to find out.

Hermes’ Father

Before we talk about Hermes’ mother, let’s take a look at his father. Zeus, the king of all gods, was Hermes’ father.

Zeus was notorious for having multiple affairs with mortal women and goddesses alike. It was during one of these affairs that he fathered Hermes.

Who is Hermes’ Mother?

Hermes’ mother was Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and daughter of Atlas and Pleione. The Pleiades were beautiful nymphs who were pursued by many gods, but they were eventually transformed into stars to escape their admirers.

Maia lived in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia where she gave birth to Hermes. According to some myths, she had an affair with Zeus while others say that he simply impregnated her with a touch or a glance.

Maia’s Role in Greek Mythology

Maia was not just known as the mother of Hermes but also had her own role in Greek mythology. She was associated with growth and nurturing, which makes sense given that she gave birth to the messenger of the gods.

In addition to being a mother figure, Maia was also associated with fertility and springtime. She was often depicted holding a cornucopia or a bundle of wheat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Maia, daughter of Atlas and Pleione, was the mother of Hermes – the messenger god in Greek mythology. Despite being overshadowed by her more famous son, Maia played an important role in Greek mythology as a nurturing and fertile figure. Hermes’ parentage is just one example of the complex family tree of the Olympian gods.