Who Worships Hermes?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, trickery, and travelers, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in ancient Greece. He was also known as the messenger of the gods and was revered for his wit, intelligence, and cunning nature.

The Origins of Hermes Worship

Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a daughter of Atlas. According to Greek mythology, he was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.

As a child, Hermes displayed remarkable wit and intelligence. He created the lyre from a tortoise shell and also invented the alphabet.

Who Worships Hermes?

Hermes was worshipped by a diverse group of people in ancient Greece. His followers included merchants, traders, travelers, athletes, thieves, and even magicians. Here are some of the groups that worshipped Hermes:

Merchants and Traders

Merchants and traders were some of the most devoted followers of Hermes. They prayed to him for success in their business ventures and offered him sacrifices such as coins or goods they traded.

Travelers

Hermes was also worshipped by travelers who sought his protection on their journeys. They often left offerings at roadside shrines dedicated to him.

Athletes

Athletes also worshipped Hermes as he was believed to be their patron god. They prayed to him for strength and agility before competitions.

Thieves

Surprisingly enough, thieves also worshipped Hermes as he was considered their patron god too! They believed that he would help them in their thievery endeavors by providing them with cunning ideas.

How Was Hermes Worshipped?

Hermes had many temples throughout Greece where his followers could worship him. These temples were often located near crossroads, marketplaces, and other places of commerce. The priests of Hermes were called Hermae and they were responsible for performing the religious rituals and maintaining the temple.

Hermes was often depicted wearing a traveler’s hat and a pair of winged sandals. His statue would usually be placed in the courtyard of the temple or at a roadside shrine. People would leave offerings such as food, wine, or flowers at his feet.

Conclusion

Hermes was one of the most revered gods in ancient Greece. His worshippers belonged to diverse groups such as merchants, travelers, athletes, and even thieves. They believed that Hermes would provide them with success in their respective endeavors and protect them from harm.

If you want to learn more about Greek mythology and its gods and goddesses, studying the worship of Hermes is a good place to start!