Hermes is an Olympian God, serving as a royal messenger of the Gods, from the 1997 film, Hercules.
Background
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Hermes was one of the twelve mighty gods who lived atop Mount Olympus. He was the god of shepherds, travelers, merchants, thieves, and all others who lived by their wits. His mother was Maia, a Titan's daughter so Hermes was born in a faraway cave on Mount Cyllene, to escape Hera's wrath. As a newborn babe, he stole twelve of Apollo's cows without leaving a trace. Apollo was angry until Hermes offered him the lyre he had made for the whole herd. Hermes was the merriest of Olympians and was favored by all gods, goddesses, and mortals. He and Apollo became the best of friends and even though Hermes was the god of liars and thieves, he never stole or lied- but he often didn't tell the whole truth.
Powers and abilities
As a god, Hermes possesses the natural powers and abilities such as
- Immortality: Hermes, like all of the Olympian Gods has universal immunity from death.
- Omnipresence: Hermes, like all of the Olympians Gods is able to be passively present everywhere.
- Superhuman strength: Hermes, like most if not all Olympian Gods, has physical strength that far surpasses the physical strength of typical mortals.
- Magic: Hermes, like most Olympian Gods possesses the abilities to perform magic. In the series, Hermes has displayed the ability to conjure via the Caduceus (his staff).
- Winged sandals : As the messenger of the Gods and God of travelers, the winged sandals enable Hermes to fly and move at an extreme speed.
Appearances
Hercules
Hermes is first seen at Hercules' baby shower, where he compliments Zeus on the festivities.
Later on, Hermes catches sight of the Titans returning to Mount Olympus and quickly alerts Zeus, Hera, and the other gods for battle. He is the last god (aside from Zeus) to be captured, being kidnapped by Pain and Panic; the latter steals his glasses while the former barks into his ear. After Hercules arrives and frees the gods, Hermes regains his glasses and beats the imps with his staff.
During the finale, Hermes is present to celebrate Hercules' success. He summons the Muses to sing a "A Star Is Born" as the film closes out.
Hercules: The Animated Series
in the animated series, taking place during Hercules' training years on Phil's Island, Hermes makes occasional appearances and sometimes joins Hercules on one of his misadventures. For example, in "Hercules and the Bacchanal", he volunteers alongside Hercules in watching over Phil's island as the satyr leaves for the weekend.
House of Mouse
Hermes made a few cameo appearances in the animated series. In "Donald Wants to Fly", his shoes are stolen by Donald Duck as he tries to teach himself how to fly.
Trivia
- Hermes' favorite phrase is "Babe".
- Hermes' glasses seem to not just be aesthetic, he needs them to see clearly in the scene where the Titans storm Olympus.
- Hermes' Roman counterpart is named Mercury, which is also the name of a chemical element found inside thermometers, as with the innermost and smallest planet in our Solar System.
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