Why Is Hermes Helping Zagreus?

Have you ever wondered why Hermes, the Greek god of messenger and thieves, is helping Zagreus in the game Hades by Supergiant Games? Well, let’s dive deeper into the lore and understand why Hermes is aiding Zagreus in escaping the underworld.

The Relationship Between Hermes and Zagreus

Hermes and Zagreus share a unique relationship in the game. Hermes helps Zagreus throughout his journey by providing him with Boons that increase his speed, damage, or give him special abilities. But why would a messenger god help the son of Hades escape from his father’s clutches?

The Reason Behind Hermes’ Help

The answer lies in their past. In Greek mythology, Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia.

He is known for his speed, wit, and cunning nature. On the other hand, Zagreus is not a part of traditional Greek mythology but is a character created by Supergiant Games for their game Hades.

In Hades, it is revealed that Zeus is actually Zagreus’ grandfather while Hades is his father. However, Hades keeps this fact hidden from him and does not recognize him as his son. This creates an interesting dynamic between them.

Hermes recognizes that Zagreus has been wronged by his father and wants to help him escape from the underworld to meet his grandfather Zeus. Hermes also has a rebellious nature and enjoys breaking rules himself. Thus he sees something of himself in Zagreus who is also breaking free from societal norms.

Hermes’ Role in The Game

Apart from providing Boons to Zagreus, Hermes also serves as a guide for him during his journey out of the underworld. He advises him on how to navigate through different chambers and what kind of enemies he may encounter along the way.

Moreover, Hermes’ presence in the game adds to its overall theme of rebellion and breaking free from norms. He symbolizes the idea that sometimes it is necessary to break rules and challenge authority to achieve one’s goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes is helping Zagreus because he recognizes that he has been wronged by his father Hades. He also sees something of himself in Zagreus who is rebelling against societal norms by trying to escape the underworld. Hermes’ presence in the game adds depth to its overall theme of rebellion and challenges authority.