Home » Hermes – Herald of the Gods & Psychopomp of Souls

Roman name : Mercury (Planet named after him). Wednesday is named after Hermes (read Weekday article)

Hermes is one of the most versatile and charming gods in Greek mythology. He is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Maia, a nymph and one of the Pleiades. He is the messenger of the gods, who delivers their commands and messages to mortals and other deities. He is also the god of trade, wealth, luck, fertility, animal husbandry, sleep, language, thieves, and travel. He is often identified with the Roman god Mercury, and with Casmilus or Cadmilus, one of the Cabeiri, a group of mysterious deities worshipped in Asia Minor.

Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, where he quickly showed his cunning and cleverness. On his first day of life, he stole the cattle of Apollo, his half-brother, and hid them in a cave. He also invented the lyre, a musical instrument made from a tortoise shell and strings. When Apollo discovered his theft, he was furious and confronted Hermes. However, Hermes charmed him with his wit and music, and offered him the lyre as a gift. Apollo was so pleased that he forgave him and made him his friend. He also gave him a golden staff, called the caduceus, which became his symbol.

Hermes had many adventures and exploits as the messenger of the gods. He helped Zeus in his affairs with mortal women, such as Danae, Alcmene, and Semele. He also assisted other gods in their tasks and quests, such as guiding Persephone back to her mother Demeter after she was abducted by Hades, or leading the Argonauts past the sirens with his music. He was also the conductor of the souls of the dead to the underworld, where he escorted them to the river Styx and handed them over to Charon, the ferryman.

Hermes was also involved in many interactions with mortals, sometimes helping them and sometimes tricking them. He was the patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves, who invoked his protection and blessing. He was also the inventor of many arts and sciences, such as writing, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. He taught these skills to humans who pleased him or who were his descendants. Some of his famous offspring include Pan, the god of nature; Autolycus, the master thief; Hermaphroditus, the androgynous deity; and Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary sage.

Hermes was worshipped throughout Greece and beyond. He had many temples and shrines dedicated to him, where people offered sacrifices of animals or fruits. He was also honored in some festivals and rites, such as the Hermaia in Athens or the Hermoea in Boeotia. He was usually depicted as a young and handsome man wearing a winged hat and sandals, carrying a caduceus or a purse. He was often accompanied by his symbols or attributes, such as a rooster, a tortoise, or a ram.

Hermes is a fascinating and appealing god who represents many aspects of human life and culture. He is a symbol of communication and exchange between different realms and beings. He is a master of cunning and creativity who can overcome any obstacle or challenge. He is a lover and a father who delights in variety and novelty. He is a god who inspires us to explore our potential and possibilities.

Hermes recommends:

The Teams of Hermes

If Hermes supported modern sports teams, they would be: