When we think of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, we often picture him with his winged sandals and caduceus staff. However, Hermes is also known for his mischievous and cunning nature, which has earned him the title of a trickster god. In this article, we will explore why Hermes is considered a trickster and what role he plays in Greek mythology.
The Trickster Archetype
Before we delve into why Hermes is a trickster, let’s first understand what the trickster archetype represents. The trickster is a common figure in mythology and folklore across various cultures. They are known for their wit, humor, and ability to deceive others through their cleverness.
Tricksters often challenge authority figures and societal norms through their unconventional behavior. They can be both heroes and villains depending on the context of the story. Some famous examples include Loki from Norse mythology and Anansi from African folklore.
Hermes as a Trickster
Now that we have an understanding of the trickster archetype let’s look at how Hermes embodies this role in Greek mythology.
Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a nymph who lived in a cave on Mount Cyllene. From an early age, Hermes showed signs of being mischievous. He stole Apollo’s cattle shortly after being born and deceived him by making it seem like he had not done anything wrong.
As he grew older, Hermes continued to display his cunning nature by playing pranks on other gods. For example, he once stole Aphrodite’s girdle to make her fall in love with a mortal man.
In addition to his deceptive behavior towards other gods, Hermes was also known for helping mortals through his skills as a messenger god. However, even in these situations, he would often use his wit to outsmart those who tried to stop him from completing his tasks.
The Importance of Hermes
Despite his mischievous behavior, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology. He was the patron god of travelers and merchants, and his role as a messenger god meant that he was often tasked with delivering important messages between the gods and mortals.
Hermes was also associated with the concept of liminality, which refers to transitional periods or spaces between different states. This could be anything from the time between day and night to the space between life and death. As a result, Hermes was often called upon to guide souls to the underworld.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes is considered a trickster god due to his mischievous and cunning nature. Despite his deceptive behavior towards other gods, he played an important role in Greek mythology as the patron god of travelers and merchants.
His association with liminality also made him an important figure in guiding souls to the underworld. With his cleverness and quick thinking, Hermes reminds us that sometimes it takes a little trickery to achieve our goals.