Hermes of Lysippos
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Perhaps because of his great speed, Hermes is closely associated in ancient Greek culture with athletics. The invention of both foot races and boxing are attributed to him. Most gymnasia had statues of Hermes and one stood at the entrance to the stadium in Olympia.
In both Roman and Greek art Hermes (Mercury) was depicted with winged sandals, sometimes a winged hat, a staff (caduceus - a magic wand or staff with two intertwined snakes, the same symbol used today by many medical associations). His clothing was typically that of a traveller or a shepherd.
Hermes had a couple of children. Pan was the product of a liaison with Dryope, a human princess. Another, Hermaphroditus, was the product of an affair with the goddess Aphrodite - and turned into a half male, half female creature after he rejected the attentions of Salmacis.
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