Deity of the Week- Hermes
Deity of the Week- Hermes
“I sing of Hermes Kyllenios (of Mt Kyllene), Argeiphontes (the Slayer of Argus), lord of Kyllene (Cyllene) and Arkadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing (eriones) messenger of the deathless gods (angelos athanaton). He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made with Zeus,–a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there Kronion [Zeus] used to lie with the rich-tressed Nymphe at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it. And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song! Hail, Hermes, giver of grace (kharidotes), guide (diaktoros), and giver of good things (dotor eaon)!”- Homeric Hymn to Hermes
Hermes is the son of Zeus and his nymph mother, Maia, born from their love. He is the personal messenger to his father, and also to Hades. Classically, he is depicted as a young man both attractive and athletic, or as an older man with a beard. His most famous myth is the one where upon his birth, he creeps from his cradle and travels to where his brother Apollon holds his oxen and makes off with them. He typically shown wearing winged boots or sandles while holding a caduceus.
Hermes is a god of many attributes. His most common association is him as a trickster god, or a messenger god. While both are accurate and true, his associates are far more encompassing than that:
And so much more. No God has only one facet, and to limit them in such a way is to deign them what they truly are.
Crocus- a beautiful purple flowering plant
I would also argue any plant that can be associated with death or being laid to rest can also be associated with him, as he is a guide to the underworld and is one of the only beings able to freely pass between the land of the dead and the living.
Some gods are the patrons of specific jobs, job fields and hobbies. A few for Hermes are
Mail person/postal worker
Veterinarians and Vet Techs
and so many more. And while I wouldn’t technically consider thievery an occupation, some might. In which cause he is also the god of professional thieves.
Most colors you would associated with trade, merchants, coin, plushness, etc.(SPG)
Most colors that can be associated with death or passing can be associated with him
Frankincense( A general all around good choice for all the Theoi)
The smell of ink and parchment/paper(SPG)
It’s not stones, but metals like copper, silver, gold- anything that is or was used to make currency
Turtle shells or turtle shaped objects
Feathers(legal to own-let’s not get in trouble now)
There’s so many choices of devotional activities when it comes to Hermes.
Donating to homeless shelters or food pantries
Become a magician/illusionist
Travel to another town/state/country
Try something that requires luck- cards, dice games, etc.
Learn about your ancestors
Give a few coins to a homeless person
A more modern twist to a devotional act would be to pick up merchant skills in a game, like mmorpgs. Or, avoid being a real life thief and become one in a game! There’s so many options, just let your imagination go wild.
~That’s all for deity of the week! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!~