The ancient Greeks had a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own unique powers and attributes. One such deity that was particularly revered was Hermes.
Known as the messenger of the gods, Hermes was also the god of commerce, travelers, thieves, and boundaries. In this article, we will explore why the ancient Greeks worshipped Hermes and what made him so important in their culture.
Origins of Hermes
In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, Greece.
From a young age, he displayed cunning and intelligence. As a baby, he stole his half-brother Apollo’s cattle and played innocent when confronted about it. Amused by his trickery, Zeus appointed him as the messenger of the gods.
Messenger of the Gods
As the messenger of the gods, Hermes was responsible for delivering messages between them. He wore winged sandals and carried a winged staff called caduceus which had magical powers to bring peace between two parties. He also guided souls to Hades after death.
God of Commerce
Hermes was also regarded as the god of commerce due to his role as a messenger between traders in different regions. This made him very important in ancient Greek society where trade played an important role in their economy.
God of Travelers
In addition to being a messenger, Hermes was also known as the protector of travelers. This is because he guided people on their journeys and protected them from harm along the way.
God of Thieves
Surprisingly enough, Hermes was also worshipped as the god of thieves. This is because he himself had stolen Apollo’s cattle when he was a baby. In ancient Greek society where theft was common, Hermes was seen as a protector of thieves and their activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes was an important deity in ancient Greek mythology due to his role as the messenger of the gods, as well as his association with commerce, travelers, and thieves. His cunning nature and intelligence made him a beloved figure in their culture. Today, he is still revered by many as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
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