Hermes, Messenger of the Gods
Hermes is
a particularly unusual god, in that he was worshipped mostly by
thieves, merchants and travelers. The myth of Hermes began with
him beng a phallic god, meaning his statue was often set on
roadsides as a symbol of protection. He was also the Patron of
commece, unexpected wealth and gaming.
Hermes was the son of Zeus and a nymph called Maia. Hermes avoided the rath that Hera usually had for Zeus' bastard offspring by disguising himself as Ares, Hera's own son, and suckling at her breast.
Also on the first day of his life, Hermes invented the Lyre, by stretching cow guts over a tortoise shell, and stole 50 of Apollo's sheep. When Apollo came looking forthe sheep, Hermes offered the Lyre to him in exchange for overlooking the theft. In recognition of his cleverness, Zeus offered Hermes the broad brimmed hat (petasus) and winged sandals (talaria) that he is most often seen in.
Hermes is also often pictured carrying a staff with a snake wrapped around it (cadeceus) that was given to him by Apollo in exchange for the pan-pipes or syrinx that he had invented. In addition to the staff, which Apollo had used to tend the sheep of Admetus, he also gave Hermes the gift of prophecy.
As the messenger of Zeus, Hermes saves the infant Dionysus from Hera's rath and follows Zeus on his travels across the earth. Hermes is also the one who arranged the beauty contest between Aphrodite, Athen and Artemis for Eris' golden apple (see Aphrodite's myth for more on the contest).
In the war of the gods and the giants, it was Hermes that slew the giant Hippolytus, by wearing Hades' helmet of invisibilty. Although Zeus was most appreciative when Hermes found his 'sinews' that had been stolen and hid in a cave by the monster Typhon.
Hermes had many lovers, and even more children. His most infamous affair being with Aphrodite. At first Aphrodite had rejected Hermes' pleas, but after Zeus sent one of his eagles to steal one of her golden sandals and Hermes returned it, in exchange for a night with her, she succumbed. Their evening together produced a son, Hermaphrodite. Hermes and Aphrodite also had Priapus together.
Among Hermes' other children are Herakles' armbearer Abderus, the thief Autolycus by Chione, Cydon by Acacallis, Bubus by Alcidamea, Eurytus and Echion by Antianeira, Evander by Carmenta, Polybus by Chthonophyle, Myrtilus by Clytie, Aethalides by Eupolemeia, Cephalus and Ceryx by Herse, Pan by either Penelope or Dryope, Pharis by Phylodameia and Chryses, Daphnis, Eurymedon, Harpalycus, Nephalion, philocaus and possibly Silenus.
Statue of Hermes with the infant Dionysus, possibly an original marble by Praxiteles, Courtesy of the Bettmann Archive, New York.
The Hermes Episode
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
Season Four : "Porkules", Hermes, played by Murray Keane, announces that Artemis's Bow is missing
Hermes Today
Murray Keane was born on August 1, 1963 and has also been in:
TELEVISION
FILM
DIRECTOR
THEATRE
Murray Keane Links
Shortland Street - Cast index has a couple of highly goofy pictures and an interview.
Murray's Agent, Kathryn Rawlings, has it all
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Image of Murray Keane courtesy Kathryn Rawlings Agency