Genealogy of Hermes: Comprehensive Family Tree of the God of Livestock in Ancient Greek Mythology
Hermes, the swift-footed messenger god of the ancient Greeks, is a fascinating figure in mythology, known for his cunning and versatility. Born on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, the Pleiad nymph.
Hermes is renowned for his extensive family tree, which includes a variety of divine offspring and half-siblings. He has seven known children, including Pan, some of the first Satyrs (Pherespondus, Lycus, and Pronomus), Hermaphroditus, Angelia, Palaestra, Aethalides, and Autolycus.
Pan, the god of the wilds, has multiple accounts of his mother, including a nameless daughter of Dryops and possibly Penelope. Autolycus, the famed robber, is said to be the son of Hermes and Khione. Aethalides, the herald of the Argonauts, is said to be the son of Hermes and Eupolemeia. Unfortunately, the mothers of Angelia and Palaestra remain unknown.
Hermes' relationships extended beyond the divine realm, as he is also said to have had children with mortals and nymphs. Some of his suspected lovers include Persephone, Hecate, Perseus, Herse of Athens, and several unnamed women from across the Greek world. However, he did not have children with Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, despite some accounts suggesting they were married.
Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and the night, is considered a potential consort to Hermes Chthonius in the Thessalian cults of Pherae and Eleusis. Iphthime, the daughter of Dorus, the founding king of the Dorians, is speculated to be the mother of the Satyrs Pherespondus, Lycus, and Pronomus.
Hermes also shares a unique bond with the Muses, the goddess of art and poetry in Greek mythology. Although they are not his full siblings, the Muses are divine half-siblings of Hermes, famously associated with arts and poetry.
Besides his children, Hermes is also known for his numerous half-siblings. This illustrious list includes Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Hebe, Eileithyia, Persephone, Dionysus, Melinoe, and more.
Within hours of his birth, Hermes demonstrated his cunning nature. He made the first-ever lyre, stole Apollo's oxen, invented fire sticks and fire, lied to Apollo, and charmed his father, Zeus. These early acts solidified his reputation as a god of thievery, commerce, and communication.
Despite his mischievous nature, Hermes remains an integral figure in Greek mythology, his legend continuing to captivate and inspire.
