

While Hermes is best known today for his role as herald and messenger, he was first worshiped as a god of fertility and boundaries. In less known myths, he was known as Atlantiades, Cyllenian, and Kriophoros. In the plays and poems of Homer, Hermes is sometimes referred to as Argeiphontes. This connection is a popular one, supported by Plutarch, and later Christian writers. Herodotus, the popular classical historian, associated the Greek god with the Egyptian god Toth. Hermes, who later became the Roman god Mercury, has been associated with many other gods from ancient history.

He also owned a golden sword, which he famously lent to Persues that the hero used to kill Medusa. Hermes also often wore a “petasos.” This winged hat was sometimes mistaken as a helmet but was actually a wide-brimmed farmer’s hat made of felt. Hermes also wore magical sandals, called “pedila.” They provided Hermes with great speed, and would sometimes be shown artistically as having tiny wings. It should not be confused with the Rod of Asclepius, the symbol of medicine. The Caduceus is said to have the power of creating peace or putting people to sleep. Hermes’ staff was known as “The Caduceus.” Sometimes known as “the golden wand,” or “the herald’s wand,” the staff was wrapped by two snakes and often topped with wings and a globe. These items not only appeared in art but also became central elements in many of the stories from Greek mythology. Hermes is perhaps most recognizable due to his unusual staff and winged boots. In later times, he would be portrayed as younger, and without a beard. In both mythology and art, Hermes is traditionally portrayed as a mature man, bearded and in the clothes of a shepherd or farmer. How Did Ancient Greek Art Portray Hermes? Hermes found his place as a personal messenger, guide, and kind-hearted trickster. Of the twelve gods of Mount Olympus, Hermes was perhaps the most loved. Hermes also had a soft spot for mortal men and would protect them on their adventures. He went on to become Zeus’ messenger and the protector of his many brothers.
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When Hermes played, it was said to be the most beautiful sound in the world the young god would use it many times to calm those angry at his trickery.Īrtemis taught Hermes how to hunt, and Pan taught him how to play the pipes. As such, she was as powerful as Zeus’ wife Hera, and Hermes was known as a protected child.Īs soon as he was born, Hermes crafted the first lyre using the shell of a tortoise and the guts of nearby sheep. His mother, Maia, was the oldest of the seven Pleiades, the daughters of Atlas. When he was born in a cave on Mt Cyllene, he was then washed in the nearby springs. Hermes was the child of Zeus and Maia, and his childhood showed indications of the tricky but kind Greek god he was to become. What Does the Caduceus Symbol Mean Today?.What Was The Story of Baucis and Philemon?.What Artworks Depict the Greek God Hermes?.How is Hermes Portrayed in Modern Culture?.Are Hermes Trismegistus and Hermes the Greek God the Same?.How Did Hermes Influence Christian Art?.How is Hermes Connected to Christianity and Islam?.

