Hermes (Messenger)
godHermes was the messenger god, guide of souls, patron of travellers and thieves — the most versatile and likeable Olympian, born cunning.
The Myth
On the day he was born, Hermes stole Apollo's cattle, invented the lyre from a tortoise shell, and talked his way out of punishment. Zeus, amused, made him the gods' messenger. He guided souls to the underworld (psychopomp), protected travellers, presided over commerce and rhetoric, and could cross any boundary — between Olympus and earth, between the living and dead. His winged sandals and caduceus are among the most recognised divine symbols.
Children
Pan, Hermaphroditus, Autolycus
Symbols
Fun Fact
"Hermeneutics" (interpretation of texts) comes from Hermes — the messenger who carries meaning between worlds.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Apollo
godGod of light, music, poetry, and prophecy. Apollo embodied the Greek ideal of youthful masculine...
Autolycus
heroAutolycus was the greatest thief in Greek mythology, son of Hermes, who could steal anything and...
Hermes
godThe swift messenger of the gods and guide of souls to the underworld. Hermes was the cleverest of...
Maia
nymphMaia was the eldest and most beautiful of the seven Pleiades, a shy mountain nymph who bore Hermes...
Olympus
placeThe highest mountain in Greece and the mythological home of the twelve Olympian gods. Olympus was...
Pan
godThe goat-legged god of wilderness, shepherds, and rustic music. Pan's sudden appearance caused...