Facts about Hermes

Interesting Facts about Hermes - Pictures of Hermes
Our fast facts and information about the Greek god Hermes are brought to life with some interesting pictures depicting his role in various myths and legends of the ancient Greeks.

Hermes and the tortoise shell lyre

Mythical Facts about Hermes for Kids

Fact 1: He was the messenger of the gods and the god of merchants, travellers, and public speakers

Fact 2: The names of his parents were Maia and Zeus

Fact 3: He was one of the 12 Olympian gods who resided on the summit of Mount Olympus

Fact 4: He was father of Pan, Autolycus, Daphne, Myrtelius, Priapus, Silenus and Hermaphroditus

Fact 5: Hermes was the only god who was authorized to visit Heaven, Earth and the Underworld.

Fact 6: His caduceus (a staff entwined by snakes) helped Hermes charm the gods and gain access to all locations

Fact 7: He was often depicted ready for travel and often wore a flat hat called a petasus

Fact 8: He was also the god of athletes and is given credit for inventing boxing and racing.

Fact 9: Hermaphroditus was an immortal son of Aphrodite and Hermes. Hermaphroditus was changed into an inter-sex person when the gods granted the wish of the nymph Salmacis that they never separate.

Fact 10: The goddess of luck, Tyche, or Fortuna, was also said to be the daughter of Hermes and Aphrodite.

Fact 11: The god was precocious child who invented the lyre, using the shell of a tortoise and rustled the immortal cattle of Apollo on the day of his birth

Fact 12: He was usually portrayed wearing a broad brimmed hat worn by traveler or a winged cap which was called a petasus. He also wore winged sandals called talaria.

Fact 13: Statues of the god stood at stadiums and gymnasiums throughout Ancient Greece

Fact 14: When people died, the Greeks thought that it was Hermes who guided their souls to the Underworld.

Fact 15: He was chosen as messenger of the gods not only for his speed but also because of his ability as a good talker, and so would be able to deliver messages well.

Fact 16: Pan the god of goatherds and the tribe of goat-footed Panes were companions of Hermes

Fact 17: Hermes rescued Io who was a lover of Zeus from the hundred-eyed giant Argos called Panoptes - refer to the Story of Io.

Fact 18: He was chosen as messenger of the gods not only for his speed but also because of his ability as a good talker, and so would be able to deliver messages well.
Pan the god of goatherds and the tribe of goat-footed Panes were companions of Hermes
Hermes rescued Io who was a lover of Zeus from the hundred-eyed giant Argos called Panoptes.

Mythical Facts about Hermes for Kids

Fun Facts about Hermes - Pictures of Hermes
Whilst checking out the facts about Hermes its a good idea to have an impression of what Hermes might have looked like. Images, pictures and representations of the messenger of the gods are found in the ancient sculptures, mosaics, paintings, pictures, pottery and vases that were made in ancient times.

Pictures of Hermes

Other artists of later periods have also produced some wonderful pictures depicting their ideas of what the god might have looked like. In Greek Art the Olympian god was often illustrated with images and pictures representing the attributes and symbols associated with Hermes. Look at the pictures of Hermes and see if you can identify any symbols associated with this famous Olympian god which are the winged sandals and helmet, caduceus (a staff entwined by snakes), tortoise and hawk.

Facts about Hermes - Olympian Gods Family Tree & Genealogy
These interesting facts about Hermes cannot be complete without the Olympian Gods Family Tree and the genealogy of these ancient deities.

Mythical Facts about Hermes for kids
We hope that you have enjoyed discovering interesting information and facts about Hermes. A fast educational resource for homework help containing short, fast, easy, strange, random, fun, odd, cool, bizarre, amazing and awesome facts about Hermes! Fascinating, fun information to increase your knowledge about Hermes the messenger of the gods in Greek Mythology.

Facts about Hermes

• Interesting information and fun Facts about the Greek god Hermes
• Pictures of Hermes
• Legends and mythology about the Greek god Hermes for kids
• Fast information and interesting fun facts about Hermes for kids
• Educational resource for teachers, homework help for children and kids
• Interesting fun Facts about Hermes for kids