Hermes
Hermes · God of Travel, Trade, Thieves, and Messengers
Greek god of messengers, travelers, merchants, and thieves. Son of Zeus and Maia, born a prodigy — he stole Apollo's cattle on his first day. Guide of souls to the underworld (psychopomp), bearer of divine messages, lord of borders and transitions.
Origin
Born in a cave on Mount Cyllene, that same day he fashioned the lyre from a tortoise shell and stole Apollo's sacred cattle. Caught and rebuked, he reconciled by giving the lyre to Apollo. Thereafter he became Zeus's official herald.
Features
- Youthful, clever god with a sly smile
- Winged hat (petasos) and sandals (talaria)
- Caduceus — staff entwined with twin serpents
- Sometimes depicted as twins or as a shepherd
Stories
Patron of travelers, merchants, and diplomats; offerings sought safe voyages and fair trade. Thieves and gamblers invoked him privately. In funerals he guided souls to the underworld.
Related
Zeus
Zeus · King of Olympus — God of Sky and Thunder
Poseidon
Poseidon · Greek God of the Sea — Earth-Shaker and Lord of Horses
Hades
Hades · Greek God of the Underworld — King of the Dead
Apollo
Apollo · God of Sun, Music, Prophecy, and Healing
Ares
Ares · Greek God of War and Slaughter
Aphrodite
Aphrodite · Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Desire
Hera
Hera · Queen of Olympus — Goddess of Marriage
Artemis
Artemis · Goddess of the Hunt, Moon, and Maidenhood
Athena
Athena · Goddess of Wisdom, Strategy, and Craft
Hwanung
Hwanung · Korean Sky God — Father of Dangun
Odin
Odin · Allfather of Norse Myth — God of Wisdom, War, and Death
Thor
Thor · Norse God of Thunder — Protector of Mankind