Who Was Hermes?

Hermes was a Greek god known for his speed, cunning, and wit. He was one of the twelve Olympian gods and the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades.

Origins and Symbolism

Hermes’ name is derived from the Greek word “herma,” which means a pile of stones used as a boundary marker. This is why he was associated with travel and commerce, as he was believed to protect travelers on their journeys and guide them to their destinations. He was also considered a god of thieves and tricksters, due to his ability to outsmart others.

Appearance

In art, Hermes is often depicted as a handsome young man with winged sandals, a winged hat called a petasos, and sometimes with wings on his back. He is also often shown carrying a caduceus, which is a staff with two snakes wrapped around it.

Myths and Legends

One of Hermes’ most famous myths involves him stealing Apollo’s cattle shortly after he was born. To cover up his tracks, Hermes put shoes on the cows that made them walk backward so that it seemed like they were going in the opposite direction.

Apollo eventually caught up with Hermes and accused him of stealing his cattle. However, Hermes charmed Apollo with his music and offered him the lyre he had invented in exchange for forgiveness.

Another popular myth involving Hermes is his role as the messenger of the gods. He would often be sent on missions by Zeus to deliver messages or bring gifts to mortals or other gods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology as both a protector of travelers and messenger of the gods. His quick thinking and cunning made him an invaluable asset to both mortals and immortals alike.