How Fast was Hermes?
Hermes, the Greek god of messengers, commerce, and thieves, is often referred to as the fastest of the gods. But just how fast was he? In this article, we’ll delve into the mythology and explore the various accounts of Hermes’ speed.
The Speed of Hermes
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was incredibly fast. He was said to be able to travel from the summit of Mount Olympus to the Underworld and back again in a single day. This feat is often attributed to his winged sandals, which allowed him to move at incredible speeds.
Mach 2 to Mach 4.6
One account of Hermes’ speed comes from the myth of Demeter’s daughter Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades. Hermes was sent to the Underworld to retrieve Persephone, and he was able to travel there and back in a remarkably short amount of time. According to this myth, Hermes was able to cover a distance of over 1,000 miles in just a few hours, which is equivalent to a speed of around Mach 2 to Mach 4.6.
Comparison to Modern Speeds
To put Hermes’ speed into perspective, let’s compare it to some modern speeds. The fastest manned aircraft, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, has a top speed of around Mach 3.5. The fastest car in the world, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, has a top speed of around 330 miles per hour. Hermes’ speed, on the other hand, is estimated to be around Mach 2 to Mach 4.6, which is significantly faster than any modern aircraft or car.
The Speed of Other Gods
While Hermes is often referred to as the fastest of the gods, other gods and goddesses are also said to possess incredible speed. For example, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, was said to be able to move at incredible speeds, and the Roman god of war, Mars, was known for his swiftness.
Table: Speed of Various Gods and Goddesses
| God/Goddess | Speed |
|---|---|
| Hermes | Mach 2 to Mach 4.6 |
| Athena | Unknown |
| Mars | Unknown |
| Zeus | Unknown |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes’ speed is a topic of much debate and speculation. While we can’t know for certain just how fast he was, accounts from Greek mythology suggest that he was incredibly fast, with some estimates placing his speed at Mach 2 to Mach 4.6. Whether or not this is accurate, it’s clear that Hermes was an important figure in Greek mythology, and his speed was just one of the many remarkable abilities he possessed.
Additional Resources
- "The Greek Gods" by Michael Grant
- "The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Mythology" edited by Robin Hard
- "The Dictionary of Classical Mythology" by Michael Grant
Facebook Share
Share this article with your friends and family to learn more about the speed of Hermes and other gods and goddesses from Greek mythology!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn5FLFb6IfI