Ἑρµῆς Ἵππιος. Hermes and his association with horses

Résumé 0

Among the lesser known characteristics of the god Hermes is that of protector of horses and horsemen, a particular feature that is evident in some written, mostly literary sources. However, in an inscription of the 2nd century BC, a sacred calendar of the city of Erythrai, the god is mentioned with the epithet ‘ Ίππιος. In the same city he is also known as ‘Αρµατεύς, i.e. charioteer of a war or race chariot.Numerous representations of chariots accompanied by Hermes are known on Athenian black and red figure vases. In these, Hermes is usually interpreted as the escort-conductor (Προποµπός) of the chariot. He is depicted less often with ridden horses but is sometimes unequivocally associated with equestrian contests as lord of the games (’Εναγώνιος). Although it seems that Hermes with the epithet Ἵππιος is so far only known from the Ionian city of Erythrai, some representations of Attic art, mostly on vases, but also on the west pediment of the Parthenon, as well as other evidence, such as the personal name Ἕρµιππος, may document a wider association with horses –beyond racing– for Athens. Literary and epigraphic sources demonstrate that in the Classical and Hellenistic periods Hermes was of particular importance to the Athenian cavalry, and especially to its commanders and officers. This is reflected in the northwest corner of the Agora of Athens, the area known as Ἑρµαῖ, which, according to finds and written evidence, was directly related to the cavalry. In this area evidence of the worship of this god can be found at the altar of Hermes Agoraios.