Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, fertility, and travelers, is an intriguing figure in Greek mythology. Known for his cunning and mischief, he was often depicted as a winged messenger with a staff and sandals.
But who was the wife of Hermes? Let’s explore.
The Family of Hermes
Before we dive into the identity of Hermes’ wife, let’s take a look at his family. Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades. He had multiple siblings, including Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Persephone, and Dionysus.
Who Was the Wife of Hermes?
In Greek mythology, Hermes had multiple lovers but only one wife – Chariklo. Chariklo was a nymph and the daughter of Apollo. She was also known as one of the Oceanids or sea nymphs.
The Marriage of Hermes and Chariklo
The story behind their marriage is not widely known in Greek mythology. However, some sources suggest that Chariklo met Hermes while he was traveling through her father’s domain. They fell in love and eventually got married.
The Children of Hermes and Chariklo
Hermes and Chariklo had four children – Autolycus, Polymele or Polymela (also known as Merope), Daphnis, and Eleusis. Autolycus became a renowned thief while Polymele married Euchenor and gave birth to Guneus. Daphnis became a shepherd god while Eleusis became the eponymous founder of Eleusis.
Hermes’ Other Lovers
While Chariklo was his only wife in Greek mythology, Hermes had many other lovers including Aphrodite (the goddess of beauty), Penelopeia (the wife of Odysseus), and Chione (a mortal princess). He was also known for his affair with the nymph Herse.
The Children of Hermes and His Other Lovers
Hermes fathered many children through his affairs, including Hermaphroditus, Pan, Abderus, Eudoros, and Cephalus.
Conclusion
In Greek mythology, Chariklo was the only wife of Hermes. Their marriage produced four children and their love story remains one of the lesser-known tales in Greek mythology. Despite having many other lovers, Hermes remained faithful to Chariklo throughout their time together.