Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is one of the more famous deities in Greek mythology. Born from Zeus and Maia, there is an interesting story behind his birth and who his mother was.
The Birth of Hermes
According to Greek mythology, Zeus took interest in Maia, one of the seven sisters known as the Pleiades. Zeus approached her while she was sleeping and impregnated her with Hermes. When Hermes was born, he immediately displayed his cunning nature by stealing Apollo’s cattle.
The Controversy Surrounding Hermes’ Mother
There is some debate amongst scholars about who Hermes’ mother was. While most agree that it was Maia, there are a few other theories that suggest otherwise.
The Theory of Plutarch
Plutarch, a famous Greek historian and philosopher from the first century AD, suggested that Semele could have been Hermes’ mother. Semele was another one of Zeus’ lovers who died when she saw Zeus in his true form. According to Plutarch’s theory, Semele gave birth to Dionysus before dying and then gave birth to Hermes while in Hades.
The Theory of Diodorus Siculus
Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian from the first century BC, had an alternate theory about who Hermes’ mother could have been. According to him, Aphrodite could have been his mother as she had a relationship with Zeus around the same time Hermes was born.
The Conclusion
While there may be some debate about who exactly gave birth to Hermes in Greek mythology, most agree that it was Maia, one of the Pleiades. Regardless of his mother’s identity, Hermes went on to become one of the most important gods in Greek mythology.
- Zeus impregnated Maia while she was sleeping
- Hermes immediately displayed his cunning nature by stealing Apollo’s cattle
- Plutarch suggested that Semele could have been Hermes’ mother
- Diodorus Siculus proposed that Aphrodite could have been Hermes’ mother
- Most scholars agree that Maia was in fact the mother of the infant Hermes
Regardless of who his mother was, Hermes is still remembered as a mischievous and important figure in Greek mythology. His legacy lives on today in various forms, including as a symbol for modern-day commerce and speed.