Why is Hermes a trickster God?
Hermes is most often presented as a graceful youth, wearing a winged hat and winged sandals. This is how he appeared to Perseus when he and Athena arrived to help the hero kill Medusa. Hermes was considered a “trickster” due to his cunning and clever personality.
Prometheus: the Greek Trickster
The Greek trickster figure Prometheus is perhaps the best-known example of a
trickster as a builder of culture. According to the story told by Hesiod in the Works
and Days, he stole fire from the gods and gave it to human beings. Now fire, of course,
is not just a good way to warm up hot dogs at a campfire. Rather, it is
necessary for the working of metal and thus underlies all technology. Fire is also an
essential element in the production of energy and represents the basis of ancient as well
as modern industry. Thus, the story told by Hesiod implies that Prometheus is a great
culture hero.
Pan was the son of Hermes, and took on his fathers traits as trickster. Also Loki of Norse mythology played the role of trickster
