![]() ![]() This situates it in a place in between, it interacts with humans but is not integrated into society it seems to be a character operating in the margins. It works outside of society, which gives it the perfect place to act as it wishes and satisfies its desires without being subjected to societal norms. The marginal character of the trickster seems to be a key element in the significance of this mythological figure in human culture. he is usually regarded as funny and humorous (Alanka, 2015, p. he has a creative and innovative character 4. he is a marginal figure and shows a contradictory temperament 2. Doty extracted a list of characteristics for the figure of the trickster using Hermes/Mercury as a prototype: 1. A very clear example of a trickster figure in western culture is that of Hermes, the Olympian god son of Zeus, also known as Mercury in Roman mythology. The trickster is a shapeshifter, who is able to transform into animals or people, and it is closely related to laughter and humour, so much so that sometimes it is hard to distinguish if the audience is supposed to laugh at it or with it (Rudin, 1956, p. ![]() With his cleverness and quick thinking, Hermes reminds us that sometimes it takes a little trickery to achieve our goals.It is in Native American cultures where the most famous, and perhaps the oldest representation of a trickster figure can be found, usually related to an animal like a coyote, a raven, or a spider. His association with liminality also made him an important figure in guiding souls to the underworld. Despite his deceptive behavior towards other gods, he played an important role in Greek mythology as the patron god of travelers and merchants. In conclusion, Hermes is considered a trickster god due to his mischievous and cunning nature. As a result, Hermes was often called upon to guide souls to the underworld. This could be anything from the time between day and night to the space between life and death. ![]() Hermes was also associated with the concept of liminality, which refers to transitional periods or spaces between different states. He was the patron god of travelers and merchants, and his role as a messenger god meant that he was often tasked with delivering important messages between the gods and mortals. The Importance of Hermesĭespite his mischievous behavior, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology. However, even in these situations, he would often use his wit to outsmart those who tried to stop him from completing his tasks. In addition to his deceptive behavior towards other gods, Hermes was also known for helping mortals through his skills as a messenger god. For example, he once stole Aphrodite’s girdle to make her fall in love with a mortal man. He stole Apollo’s cattle shortly after being born and deceived him by making it seem like he had not done anything wrong.Īs he grew older, Hermes continued to display his cunning nature by playing pranks on other gods. From an early age, Hermes showed signs of being mischievous. Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, a nymph who lived in a cave on Mount Cyllene. Now that we have an understanding of the trickster archetype let’s look at how Hermes embodies this role in Greek mythology. Some famous examples include Loki from Norse mythology and Anansi from African folklore. They can be both heroes and villains depending on the context of the story. Tricksters often challenge authority figures and societal norms through their unconventional behavior. They are known for their wit, humor, and ability to deceive others through their cleverness. The trickster is a common figure in mythology and folklore across various cultures. The Trickster Archetypeīefore we delve into why Hermes is a trickster, let’s first understand what the trickster archetype represents. In this article, we will explore why Hermes is considered a trickster and what role he plays in Greek mythology. However, Hermes is also known for his mischievous and cunning nature, which has earned him the title of a trickster god. When we think of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, we often picture him with his winged sandals and caduceus staff. ![]()
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