Who Is the Father of Hermes?

Hermes is a Greek god who is known for his cunning and cleverness. He is also known as the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves. However, there is some confusion about who his father is.

Zeus

One of the most popular beliefs is that Zeus is the father of Hermes. In Greek mythology, Zeus was known for his many affairs with mortal women and goddesses.

It is said that he had an affair with Maia, one of the daughters of Atlas. Maia gave birth to Hermes in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.

Hermes was born in secret, and Zeus was not present at his birth. However, when he found out about Hermes’ birth, he was very proud and made him one of the Olympian gods.

Hermes’ Childhood

As a child, Hermes showed great intelligence and wit. He learned how to play music from Apollo and became a skilled musician himself. He also developed a talent for stealing and trickery.

When he was still an infant, he stole Apollo’s cattle and hid them in a nearby cave. To cover up his tracks, he invented sandals that would leave no footprints behind him. When Apollo discovered that his cattle were missing, he tracked down Hermes and accused him of stealing them.

Despite being caught red-handed, Hermes managed to talk his way out of trouble by playing music on his lyre for Apollo. Apollo was so impressed with his skills that he forgave him for stealing the cattle.

Other Possible Fathers

While Zeus is the most widely accepted father of Hermes, there are other myths that suggest otherwise.

  • In some myths, Hermes is said to be the son of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.
  • In other myths, he is said to be the son of Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary figure who was a combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.

However, these myths are not as widely accepted as the Zeus myth. Regardless of who his father is, Hermes remains one of the most beloved figures in Greek mythology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that Hermes is one of the most fascinating and complex figures in Greek mythology. While there is some confusion about who his father is, most myths point to Zeus as his true father. Whether he was born from Zeus or not, Hermes remains an important figure in Greek culture and continues to fascinate people around the world today.