“ΟΥΔΕΝ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΗΝ ΚΛΟΠΗΝ”: Hermes the Transformer

Abstract

Hermes holds a special place in Greek religion. His name is recorded on the Mycenaean tablets. Most Greek sources connect his cult with Attica and relate his name with ἑρμαῖος λόφος and its transformation into Hermai. Hermes got many epithets, reflecting his various functions and ancient origin. The paper deals with a possible origin of Hermes, his cult, describes various roles in Greek religion, political and symbolic connotations, (ab)uses of his cult as well as different representations and finally the transformation of the deity in the Christian period according to written and material evidence.

Keywords

• Hermes
• cult
• chthonian
• celestial
• representation
• transformation