Hermes

Nationality/Culture

Greek

Pronunciation

HUR-meez

Alternate Names

Mercury (Roman)

Appears In

Hesiod's Theogony, Ovid's Metamorphoses, the Homeric Hymns

Lineage

Son of Zeus and Maia

Character Overview

In Greek mythology , Hermes was the fleet-footed messenger of the gods. His parents were Zeus (pronounced ZOOS), king of the gods, and Maia (pronounced MAY-uh), one of the seven sisters known as the Pleiades (pronounced PLEE-uh-deez). The Romans identified Hermes with Mercury (pronounced MUR-kyoo-ree), the god of merchants and trade, and they placed his main temple near the merchants' quarter in ancient Rome.

The Greeks looked upon Hermes as a protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves, and as a bringer of good luck. Because of his reputation as a speedy messenger, the god became popular among athletes. Many ancient sports arenas had statues of the god.

Major Myths

While still an infant, Hermes killed a tortoise and used its shell to make a stringed instrument called a lyre. Soon afterward, he stole some cattle belonging to Apollo (pronounced uh-POL-oh) and then returned to his cradle. When Apollo came looking for the animals, Hermes pretended to know nothing and told a cunning tale to prove his innocence. In the course of telling his tale, he stole Apollo's bow and arrows.

Zeus insisted that the cattle be returned, so Hermes brought Apollo to the place where they were hidden. There he took up his lyre and played so impressively that Apollo agreed to overlook the theft of the cattle if Hermes would give him the instrument. Hermes also handed back the bow and arrows he had stolen. Amused by the young god's antics, Apollo became his good friend and made Hermes the protector of herdsmen.

When Hermes grew up, he often came to the aid of other gods and mortals. He accompanied Zeus on many journeys and once helped him during a struggle with the monster Typhon (pronounced TYE-fon). Another time, Hermes rescued Ares (pronounced AIR-eez) when the god was imprisoned in a jar. He also played a role in arranging the return of Persephone (pronounced per-SEF-uh-nee) from the underworld , or land of the dead. As a protector of travelers, Hermes escorted the spirits of dead mortals to the river Styx (pronounced STIKS). Among the living mortals he assisted were King Priam of Troy, Aeneas (pronounced i-NEE-uhs), and Odysseus (pronounced oh-DIS-ee-uhs).

Hermes had love affairs with a number of goddesses and mortal women. The goddess he loved the most was Aphrodite (pronounced af-ro-DYE-tee), with whom he had two children, Hermaphroditus (pronounced hur-maf-ro-DYE-tuhs) and Priapus (pronounced pry-AY-puhs). Hermes was also the father of Pan , the god of shepherds and flocks who was half man and half goat.

Hermes in Context

Athletics, an activity associated with Hermes, was very important to ancient Greek men, who valued physical perfection. Every Greek city contained at least one gymnasium, a private area designed for activities such as running, wrestling, and throwing the discus (a heavy, flat disc) or javelin (a spear). Gymnasium activities were reserved for young men, and were the main form of exercise in Greek society. Many of the activities popular in ancient gymnasia have continued into modern sports as events in the Olympic Games.

Hermes is an eloquent trickster, capable of talking himself out of most of the trouble his mischievous actions get him into. The fact that he is appreciated by the other gods reveals that the ancient Greeks valued cunning and eloquence.

Key Themes and Symbols

As the messenger of the gods, Hermes represents both eloquence (required when speaking on behalf of the gods) and speed (required for delivering messages and relaying communication). The theme of eloquence is illustrated in the story about the theft of Apollo's cattle; young Hermes tells a tale that captivates Apollo and removes him from suspicion, and later plays his lyre so beautifully that Apollo forgives the boy.

Hermes in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life

As the protector of people from many different backgrounds—from thieves to shepherds to poets—Hermes was one of the more popular gods in ancient Greek art. Over time, Hermes came to be depicted as a young man wearing winged sandals and a wide-brimmed hat with wings. He also carried a staff with two snakes known as a caduceus (pronounced kuh-DOO-see-uhs).

In modern times, Hermes appeared as a character in the 1997 Disney animated film Hercules, voiced by musician Paul Shaffer. As the Roman Mercury, the god has lent his name to—among other things—a chemical element, a brand of automobile, and the closest planet to the sun in our solar system.

Read, Write, Think, Discuss

In the early myths of Hermes, the infant god steals several items from Apollo. Instead of punishing the boy, Apollo is impressed by his talent. What do you think this indicates about the ancient Greek view of theft? Do you think Americans share this attitude?

SEE ALSO Apollo; Pan; Persephone; Underworld; Zeus