Description
Hermes redresses the gap in modern English scholarship on this fascinating and complex god, presenting its readers with an introduction to Hermes’ social, religious and political importance through discussions of his myths, iconography and worship. It also brings together in one place an integrated survey of his reception and interpretation in contemporaneous neighbouring cultures in antiquity as well as discussion of his reception in the post-classical periods up to the present day. This volume is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to explore the many facets of Hermes’ myth, worship and reception.
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Series Foreword
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and Conventions
Map of Greece
Genealogical table
Foreword: Why Hermes?
Introducing Hermes
Origins and Name
Image
Myth
Cult
Making Connections, Building Relationships
Overview
PART 1: KEY THEMES
Chapteer 1: Talents
Mêtis
Stealth
Creativity
Propriety
Overview
Chapter 2: Transmissions
Divine Messenger, Zeus’ Herald
Leader of Dreams
Hermeneus/Hermeneutês
Didaskalos
Rhêtor (Orator)
Overview
Chapter 3: Transitions
Divine Guide
Protector of Persons
Protector of Places
Protector of Property
Maturation
Overview
Chapter 4: Transactions
Dôtor Eaôn: ‘Giver of Good’
Hermes Agoraios
Hermes Phêlêtês
Overview
Chapter 5: Transgressions
The Thief
The Trickster
Verbal Deception
Visual Deception
Immodesty and Excess
Trickster Tricked
Gamer and Player
Overview
Chapter 6: Transcendence
Zeus’ Herma
Zeus’ Spokesman
Zeus’ Delighter
Zeus’ Networker
Zeus’ Humane Face
Overview
Chapter 7: Translations
Hermes goes West
Roman Mercury
Literary Mercury
Political Mercury
‘Interpretatio Romana’
Hermes goes East
Mesopotamian/Babylonian ‘Hermes’
Egyptian Hermes
Overview
PART 2: AFTERWARDS
Chapter 8: Transformations I: Other Mercurys
Allegorical Hermes/Mercury
Astrological Hermes/Mercury
Magical Hermes/Mercury
Alchemical Hermes/Mercury
Overview
Chapter 9: Transformations II: Popular Culture
Visualising Hermes
Comics and Animation
Stage and Screen
Poetry and Prose
Appropriations
Philosophy
Psychology
Etymology
Commerce
Emblems and Advertisers
Mass Communication
Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
