The Story of Hermes
Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, a gentle nymph and one of the daughters of the Titan Atlas. He was born at dawn in a quiet cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, where Maia hid from the eyes of the other gods.
No god ever started life so quickly. By noon on his first day, Hermes had climbed out of his cradle, found a tortoise and turned its shell into the first lyre. By evening he had crept off to steal fifty of Apollo's cattle, driving them backward and wearing sandals made of branches to hide his tracks, before slipping back into his cradle as if nothing had happened.
Apollo soon tracked the thief down and dragged the baby before Zeus. Hermes swore with a straight face that he did not even know what a cow was, which made Zeus laugh. To settle the quarrel, Hermes played his lyre for Apollo, and Apollo was so enchanted that he traded the cattle for it. The two became close friends, and Zeus made Hermes the herald and messenger of the gods.
With his winged sandals, his traveler's hat and his herald's staff, the caduceus, Hermes moved between the worlds faster than any other god. He also had the special task of guiding the souls of the dead down to the underworld. Among his children was Pan, the goat legged god of shepherds, and some stories make him the father of other heroes and rustic spirits as well.
Hermes played a part in countless myths, usually as a clever helper. He killed the hundred eyed giant Argus to free Io, guided Perseus on his quest against Medusa, and gave Odysseus the herb that protected him from Circe. When Persephone was taken to the underworld, it was Hermes whom Zeus sent to bring her back to her mother.
The Greeks honored Hermes in everyday life. Stone pillars called herms, topped with his head, stood at crossroads, doorways and boundaries to protect travelers and homes. He was the patron of merchants, athletes, shepherds and even thieves, and statues of him were common in gymnasiums. Lucky finds on the road were called gifts of Hermes.
Hermes lives on as a symbol of speed, communication and trade. The Romans called him Mercury, and the swift planet closest to the sun carries that name. His winged sandals and staff still appear in logos and emblems around the world, a fitting legacy for the god who was always on the move.
Famous Myths About Hermes
Stealing Apollo's Cattle
On the day he was born, Hermes slipped out of his cradle and stole fifty of Apollo's cattle, driving them backward to confuse their tracks. When Apollo found out, Hermes calmed him by giving him the lyre, which he had just invented from a tortoise shell.
Slaying Argus
Zeus asked Hermes to free his lover Io, who had been turned into a cow and was guarded by the hundred-eyed giant Argus. Hermes played music and told stories until all of Argus's eyes closed in sleep, then killed him.
Helping Perseus
Hermes helped Perseus on his quest to slay Medusa, giving him guidance and, in some versions, his winged sandals. With them Perseus could fly across the world to reach the Gorgons.
Odysseus and Circe
When the witch Circe turned Odysseus's crew into pigs, Hermes appeared to the hero and gave him a magical herb called moly. It protected Odysseus from her spells, and he forced her to restore his men.
Where to See Hermes in Greece
Hermes's Family Tree
Parents of Hermes
Partners of Hermes
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermes
Who is Hermes in Greek mythology?
Hermes is the Olympian messenger of the gods and the god of travel, trade, thieves and boundaries. He also guides the souls of the dead to the underworld.
Who are Hermes's parents?
Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia, a daughter of Atlas. He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.
What did Hermes do on the day he was born?
On the day of his birth, Hermes invented the lyre from a tortoise shell and stole Apollo's cattle. To make peace, he gave Apollo the lyre.
What are Hermes's symbols?
Hermes's symbols include the caduceus, the winged sandals, the winged helmet and the tortoise.
What is Hermes's Roman name?
The Romans called Hermes Mercury.
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