Hermes is a Greek god associated with many different things, including commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries. He was also known as the messenger of the gods and the protector of shepherds and their flocks.
But who worshipped Hermes? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Hermes was one of the twelve Olympian gods and was worshipped by the ancient Greeks. His worship was not limited to a particular region or group of people but was widespread throughout Greece.
One group that worshipped Hermes were merchants and traders. As the god of commerce, he was seen as a patron deity for those involved in business dealings. Merchants would often make offerings to him before embarking on a journey or conducting a trade.
Another group that worshipped Hermes were athletes. As the god of sports, he was believed to provide protection and good luck during athletic competitions. Athletes would often offer sacrifices to him before participating in events such as the Olympic Games.
Hermes was also associated with thieves and outlaws. While he himself was not a thief, he did have a reputation for being cunning and tricky. Thieves would sometimes make offerings to him in hopes of avoiding detection or getting away with their crimes.
In addition to these groups, shepherds also worshipped Hermes. As their protector, they would offer sacrifices to him in exchange for his help in keeping their flocks safe from predators.
Overall, Hermes was worshipped by many different groups for many different reasons. His association with commerce, sports, outlaws, and shepherds made him an important figure in Greek religion and mythology.
If you’re interested in learning more about Greek mythology or want to explore other gods and goddesses worshipped by ancient cultures, be sure to check out some of our other articles!