Who Was Hermes? Messenger, Trickster, and Guide of Souls
- Greece Media
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Introduction
Who was Hermes? In Greek mythology, he was the swift-footed messenger of the gods, the protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves, and a trickster known for his cleverness. Hermes moved freely between the realms of Olympus, earth, and the underworld, making him one of the most versatile and fascinating of all the Olympians.
As the son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes was a divine child of both sky and earth. He could bring messages, guide souls, and even cause mischief. From stealing Apollo’s cattle on the day of his birth to aiding heroes like Odysseus, Hermes’s myths reveal him as a god of intelligence, adaptability, and cunning.
Origins and Family of Hermes
Hermes was born to Zeus, king of the gods, and Maia, one of the Pleiades and a daughter of the Titan Atlas. His birth in a hidden cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia reflected his secretive, elusive nature.
As one of Zeus’s many children, Hermes had numerous half-siblings, including Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Ares, and Dionysus. His unique role as messenger meant he interacted with nearly all of them in myths.
Hermes in Greek Mythology
The Cattle of Apollo
One of the most famous Hermes myths comes from his infancy. On the day he was born, Hermes slipped from his cradle and stole the cattle of Apollo. To cover his tracks, he reversed their hooves, making them walk backward.
When Apollo discovered the theft, Zeus intervened, amused by his son’s cleverness. Hermes appeased Apollo by giving him the lyre he had invented from a tortoise shell. This myth established Hermes’s character as a trickster and an inventor.
Hermes in the Odyssey
Hermes appeared in Homer’s Odyssey, where he helped Odysseus. When Odysseus was trapped by Circe, Hermes gave him the herb moly to resist her spells. This act showed Hermes’s role as a guide and protector of travelers.
Guide of Souls
Hermes served as a psychopomp, a guide who escorted the souls of the dead to the underworld. Unlike Hades, who ruled there, Hermes merely guided the way, showing his power to cross boundaries no other god could.
Persephone’s Return
In the myth of Persephone’s abduction by Hades, Hermes was the one who escorted her back to the world above after the agreement was made with Demeter and Zeus. His role as negotiator and guide was essential to restoring balance.
Symbols and Depictions of Hermes
Hermes was always depicted as young, athletic, and swift. His most famous symbols reflected speed, travel, and communication:
Caduceus: A staff entwined with two snakes, often mistaken for a symbol of medicine, but in fact representing trade and negotiation.
Winged sandals (talaria): Allowed him to travel swiftly between worlds.
Winged helmet (petasos): Sign of speed and flight.
Tortoise: Linked to his invention of the lyre.
Ram: Sometimes carried to symbolize protection of flocks and herds.
Worship and Temples of Hermes
Hermes in Daily Life
Unlike some gods who were worshipped mainly in great temples, Hermes was honored widely through herms, stone pillars with his head and a phallic symbol, placed along roads and boundaries. These marked safe passage and protection for travelers.
Cult Centers
Hermes had sanctuaries across Greece, particularly in Arcadia, his birthplace. He was honored at the Hermoea, festivals held by athletes and youths, emphasizing his role as a god of strength and agility.
Hermes as Trickster and Protector
Hermes’s dual role as both trickster and protector made him unique among the Olympians. He could deceive the other gods, yet he also safeguarded mortals in their journeys. He was associated with:
Commerce and trade: Protecting merchants and markets.
Thieves: Patron of trickery and cunning.
Luck and fortune: Bringing unexpected opportunities.
Athletes: Celebrated for speed and agility.
Legacy of Hermes
Roman Equivalent
The Romans identified Hermes with Mercury, who became a central figure in their religion and culture. Mercury represented trade, profit, and communication, showing how Hermes’s traits were adapted for Roman society.
Influence on Philosophy and Mysticism
Hermes became connected to the Hermetic tradition, a body of mystical and philosophical texts that influenced later thought, including alchemy and early science. His association with hidden knowledge and boundaries made him a figure of wisdom as well as mischief.
Hermes in Modern Culture
Today, Hermes is one of the most recognized Greek gods. His symbols of speed and communication inspire everything from athletic brands to depictions in films, comics, and literature. His image as a messenger continues to resonate in a world that values connection and swiftness.
Where You Can Find Statues or Temples of Hermes
Hermes, known for his speed, wit, and role as messenger of the gods, was honored at shrines and sanctuaries across Greece.
Herms (stone pillars with Hermes’s head): These boundary markers and shrines were placed throughout cities and roadsides, especially in Athens, to protect travelers and households.
Temple of Hermes at Tanagra (Boeotia): An ancient sanctuary dedicated to Hermes, showing his importance in central Greece.
Mount Cyllene in Arcadia: Hermes’s mythical birthplace, where a temple and cult center honored him.
Statues of Hermes in Museums: Famous examples include Praxiteles’s “Hermes and the Infant Dionysus” in Olympia and the Hermes Ludovisi in the National Roman Museum.
These monuments and shrines highlight Hermes’s role as a guide, communicator, and protector of movement and trade.
FAQs About Hermes
Who was Hermes in Greek mythology?
Hermes was the Greek god of travel, trade, trickery, and communication, best known as the messenger of the gods and the guide of souls.
What was Hermes known for?
He was known for his speed, cleverness, and versatility. His myths include stealing Apollo’s cattle, guiding Persephone, and aiding Odysseus.
What were Hermes’s symbols?
Hermes’s main symbols were the caduceus, winged sandals, winged helmet, and tortoise.
What was Hermes’s Roman name?
The Romans called him Mercury, emphasizing his role in trade and communication.
Was Hermes a trickster?
Yes, Hermes was one of the trickster figures of Greek mythology, often deceiving gods and mortals but also helping them.
Conclusion
Hermes was one of the most dynamic gods in Greek mythology. As messenger, trickster, and guide, he embodied movement, connection, and cleverness. From stealing cattle on his first day of life to guiding souls to the underworld, Hermes played a vital role in myths both great and small.
As Mercury, he became central to Roman culture, and his legacy continued through philosophy, mysticism, and modern storytelling. Hermes’s enduring image reminds us of the importance of adaptability, intelligence, and the power of communication.
Explore More Greek Gods
Aphrodite | Apollo | Ares | Artemis | Athena | Demeter | Dionysus | Hephaestus | Hera | Hermes | Hestia | Poseidon | Zeus
This article was written by GetGreece (Formerly Greece Media).
