The question of who is faster, Hermes, the swift-footed messenger god of Greek mythology, and the Flash, DC Comics' iconic speedster, is a fascinating one that delves into the very nature of speed, power scaling, and the blurring lines between fiction and divine myth. While a direct, canonical race between the two is unlikely to ever occur, we can analyze their feats and abilities to attempt a comparative assessment. This analysis will consider various factors, including their respective speed feats, the limitations of their powers, and the unique contexts of their respective universes. Ultimately, the answer isn't straightforward, and depends heavily on the specific versions and interpretations of each character.
Is Hermes Faster Than the Flash? A Canonical Consideration
Canonically within the DC Universe, placing Hermes on a speed tier alongside established characters allows for a more objective comparison. While Hermes isn't a regular DC character, fan-made and unofficial power rankings often place him in the DC universe, usually based on his mythological feats. These rankings frequently put him at the upper echelons of speed, often alongside or slightly below Shazam. This places him within the top ten fastest characters in the DCU, a remarkable feat. However, this ranking is still significantly below the top speedsters like Wally West, Barry Allen, and even characters like Godspeed.
Based on this canonical placement, the answer is a resounding no. Hermes, while incredibly fast by any standard, is consistently placed below several Flash incarnations (Barry Allen and Wally West being the most prominent) within the established DC speed hierarchy. This hierarchy includes:
1. Wally West: Often considered the fastest Flash, possessing speeds that surpass even the speed of thought.
2. Barry Allen: The original Flash, with incredible speed feats throughout his long history.
3. Eobard Thawne (Reverse-Flash): A speedster with comparable speed to Barry Allen, often even surpassing him in specific instances.
4. Superman: While not strictly a "speedster," Superman's incredible speed, especially in the context of the New 52 and Rebirth storylines, often rivals that of the fastest Flashes.
5. Black Racer: The personification of death, possessing incomprehensible speed.
6. Cheetah: In certain iterations, Cheetah's speed enhancements rival that of established speedsters.
7. Wonder Woman: While not primarily a speedster, Wonder Woman's speed is consistently portrayed as superhuman and capable of keeping up with many speedsters.
8. Godspeed: A formidable speedster villain with incredibly high speed capabilities.
9. Shazam (and potentially Hermes): Often placed in a similar tier, showcasing impressive speed feats but consistently lagging behind the top speedsters.
Therefore, based on this accepted canon within the DC Universe, Hermes, while exceptionally fast, falls short of the Flash, particularly the top tier speedsters like Wally West and Barry Allen.
Hermes, God vs. Flash: A Clash of Realms
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