description Hermes Overview
Hermes is an Olympian deity in ancient Greek religion, serving as the gods' messenger and an intermediary between the divine and mortal realms. He is the son of Zeus and the Pleiad Maia, and is known as the patron of shepherds, travelers, merchants, and thieves. Additionally, he functions as a psychopomp, a guide responsible for leading the souls of the dead to the underworld.
In classical art, he is typically depicted wearing winged sandals and carrying the caduceus, a staff entwined with two serpents.
insights Ranking position
Hermes ranks #18 of 167 in the Deity ranking, behind Horus, ahead of Ahura Mazda.
help Hermes FAQ
Who were the parents of the Greek god Hermes?
Hermes is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and the Pleiad Maia, a nymph who dwelt in a cave on Mount Cyllene. Because of his mother's nature, he was considered a rustic god with strong ties to the countryside.
What symbols are typically associated with Hermes?
Hermes is most famously associated with the caduceus, a magical staff entwined with two snakes and topped with wings, which he used to guide souls and resolve disputes. He also wears the petasos (a winged traveler's cap) and the talaria (winged sandals) that allow him to fly.
What was Hermes' role in the Greek pantheon?
As the messenger of the gods, Hermes served as a swift intermediary between the divine and mortal realms. He was also known as the patron of shepherds, travelers, merchants, and surprisingly, thieves and tricksters.
What did Hermes invent on the day he was born?
According to the Homeric Hymn to Hermes, he was a famously precocious child who invented the lyre on his very first day of life. He achieved this by killing a tortoise and stretching cow hide—stolen from his brother Apollo's sacred herd—across its shell.
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