Hermes
by CTCWeb Editors
Associated Rituals
An important part of the nature of a god or goddess may be discerned from the rituals performed for the favor of that god or goddess. Students should look at the rituals performed in favor of Hermes. Students will also want to look at where the rituals are performed, who performs the rituals and whether the societies that include these rituals in their religious practices worship only Hermes or Hermes along with other gods and goddesses.
Below are some textual examples of ritual sacrifices to Hermes and rituals that are part of the festivals for Hermes.
Aeschines, Speech 1: Against Timarchus, 1.10, 12 - Aeschines mentions the festivals of Hermes held in wrestling schools. The “superintendents of the gymnasia” must make sure that no one who has reached the age of manhood participate in the contest of Hermes.
Apollodorus 3.10.2 Hermes started the ritual sacrificing of meat to the gods. In this passage Apollodorus tells the story.
Aristophanes, Peace line 420 ff. - Trygaeus tells Hermes that if he will help find and release a captive then the people will celebrate “the great Panathenaea in your honor.” Every town will sacrifice to Hermes the Liberator as he frees them from their troubles. Trygaeus offers the first dedication to Hermes by pouring a libation.
Pausanias, Guide to Greece 7.22.3 - Hermes of the Market, with his oracular powers, will whisper the answer to a person’s questions if they leave a “copper” on the altar of the image of Hermes. Homer refers to Hermes as the “ear giver” to men in the Iliad 24.334. Pausanias, Guide to Greece 8.14.10 - The people of Pheneus worship Hermes and celebrate the games called Hermaea in his honor. Pausanias, Guide to Greece 9.22.1 - There are sanctuaries of Hermes Ram-bearer and of Hermes called Champion. To see an example of how the ram was carried in the ritual see the sculpture, Athens, Acropolis 624.
Herodotus, History 2.51 - Herodotus tells of the cult of Hermes in Greece.
Herodotus, History 2.145.4 - Herodotus tells of the cult of Hermes in Greece.
Herodotus, History 2.138.4 - In Egypt, Hermes is identified with the god Thoth.
