Why Is Hermes Associated With Speed?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is often depicted as a winged messenger, carrying a staff with two snakes coiled around it. He is also associated with speed and agility.

But why is Hermes associated with speed? Let’s delve deeper into the mythology.

The Birth of Hermes

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and the nymph Maia. As a newborn, he showed remarkable swiftness by escaping from his cradle and stealing Apollo’s cattle.

When Apollo confronted him, Hermes denied any wrongdoing but eventually returned the cattle to Apollo. This incident established Hermes as a trickster but also showcased his speed and agility.

The Messenger of Gods

Hermes was appointed as the messenger of gods due to his quickness. He would travel between Mount Olympus and Earth to deliver messages from Zeus and other gods. With his winged sandals, he could fly at incredible speeds, making him an ideal messenger.

Patron of Athletes

In addition to being a messenger god, Hermes was also the patron of athletes. As the god of gymnastics and track-and-field events, he embodied speed and agility in sports. The ancient Greeks believed that invoking Hermes’s name would bring them good luck in athletic competitions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes’s association with speed can be attributed to his mythological background as a thief who escaped swiftly after committing crimes, his role as a messenger god who traveled at lightning-fast speeds between Earth and Mount Olympus, and his patronage of athletics where he encouraged swiftness and agility in sportsmanship.

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