Hermes

Hermes is an important god in Greek mythology. He was known as the messenger of the gods. A messenger is someone who carries messages from one place to another. Hermes traveled between Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, the human world, and the underworld. Because of this role, he was seen as a fast and clever god.

Hermes was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Maia, a mountain nymph. A nymph is a minor nature spirit in Greek myths. Stories say Hermes showed his clever nature from birth. In one myth, he invented the lyre, a stringed musical instrument, using a tortoise shell. He later gave this instrument to Apollo.

Hermes had many duties. He guided travelers on roads and protected merchants, who are people who buy and sell goods. He was also linked to trade and money. Because travel could be dangerous, people prayed to Hermes for safe journeys. Stone markers called herms, carved with his image, were placed along roads and at borders.

Another important role of Hermes was guiding souls to the underworld. The underworld was the place where people were believed to go after death. Hermes did not judge the dead. He only guided them safely to Hades, the god who ruled the underworld. This role showed Hermes as a guide between different worlds.

Hermes was often shown wearing special items. He had winged sandals that allowed him to move quickly. He also carried a staff called the caduceus. The caduceus had two snakes wrapped around it and was a sign of his role as a messenger. Artists often showed Hermes as a young man with a traveler’s hat.

In Roman mythology, Hermes was known as Mercury. The Romans told similar stories about him. Myths about Hermes helped explain how ancient people understood travel, messages, and movement between places.