Some of the Most Famous Weapons of Greek Mythology
So, what were the Greek gods and goddesses really like? Each of the myths and stories show us their personalities. One thing that really stands out, though, is that even though they were thought to be immortal, many of them didn’t really have “powers” without their weapons. There are a few magical weapons, however, that stand out from the rest.
Here is an overview of some of the most famous weapons of Greek Mythology. The gods and goddesses wouldn’t be the same without them.
Hermes and The Caduceus
Hermes was the messenger of the Greek gods, a power that was bestowed on him by Zeus to try to tame his trickster habits. Once he was appointed messenger, he was given the Caduceus. This was not only a symbol of his status, but it also controlled people’s sleeping patterns. It could both wake people up from sleep and also cause them to fall into a deep sleep, like a coma. Iris, who was Hera’s official messenger, also carried the Caduceus.
Winged Shoes of Hermes
The Caduceus wasn’t the only weapon associated with Hermes. He had a pair of winged, golden shoes, which helped him, get from place to place. These shoes were given to him to enhance his speed. Since the wings are a symbol of speed, this was a logical weapon for him.
The Thunderbolt of Zeus
Zeus is known for his uncontrollable temper. His weapon, the thunderbolt, is almost an expression of that temper. The angrier he got, the fiercer the bolt would become. Zeus’s special effects were apparently accompanied by loud peals of thunder, which was a manifestation of his anger. It is interesting to note that the thunderbolt contained both thunder and lightening.
Poseidon’s Trident
Originally made by the blacksmith god, Hephaestus, the trident was always associated with Poseidon. Though his brother, Zeus, was king of the gods, Poseidon wasn’t without considerable power of his own. His trident gave him control over the waters of the earth and the seas, and it also caused water sources to come to the land. It also brought about earthquakes when he struck the ground.
Zeus’s Golden Shield
Though Zeus would throw thunderbolts as a weapon and also as a display of his temper, it wasn’t his only weapon. He also carried a golden shield, called the Aegis, which was also created by Hephaestus. Unlike his thunderbolt, the shield was not associated with his emotions.
This mythological weapon was made from a polished shield of brass. It both shielded the bearer and was used as a weapon. When Perseus cut off Medusa’s head, it was impaled on this weapon to make it even more formidable. Medusa was always capable of turning people into stone, and that was still the case even after she was beheaded. Eventually, the Aegis was associated with Athena.
Though the gods and goddesses were powerful, they also had formidable weapons. These weapons were as much a part of their identities as their inherent personalities.
Categorized in: Greek Mythology
This post was written by Greek Boston
