Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, messenger, and thieves, is a significant figure in Greek mythology. He is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus – a staff with two snakes wrapped around it. Hermes was known for his cunning and quick wit, making him a favorite among the gods.
But what was Hermes’ relationship with Hades, the god of the underworld? Let’s explore.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Hermes was one of the few gods who could travel freely between the mortal world and the underworld. This made him an important figure in both realms.
In Greek mythology, Hades was often portrayed as a dark and foreboding figure who ruled over souls in the afterlife. As such, he wasn’t particularly popular among mortals or other gods.
However, Hermes seemed to have a good relationship with Hades. In fact, Hermes was often tasked with delivering messages between Hades and other gods. This made him an invaluable messenger in both worlds.
Additionally, Hermes was known for his ability to guide souls into the afterlife. According to some legends, he would lead souls to the river Styx and assist them in crossing over into Hades’ realm.
But why did these two seemingly different gods get along so well? One theory is that they shared similar domains – commerce and wealth. While Hades ruled over wealth in terms of precious metals and gems found underground, Hermes oversaw commerce and trade on earth.
Furthermore, both gods were associated with secrecy – Hades because of his role as ruler of the underworld and keeper of secrets; Hermes because of his association with thieves and messengers who often carried out secret tasks.
In conclusion, while Hermes may not have been as powerful or feared as some other Greek gods like Zeus or Poseidon, his role as messenger between worlds made him an important figure in Greek mythology. And despite their different domains and temperaments, Hermes and Hades seemed to have a good relationship based on their shared interests and abilities.