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Hermes in Greek Mythology: Messenger of the Gods

June 19, 2025

Among all the gods of Mount Olympus, one moved faster than the rest—clever, quick, and always smiling. His name was Hermes, and he was the messenger of the gods. But Hermes was far more than a delivery boy. He was a guide, a trickster, a protector of travelers, and a clever god who played by his own rules.

Let’s discover the amazing world of Hermes in Greek mythology and why he was one of the most beloved Olympians.

The Birth of a Trickster

Who is Hermes in Greek mythology?
Hermes was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Maia, a quiet mountain nymph. Born in a cave on Mount Cyllene, Hermes was clever from the very beginning.

On the very day he was born, Hermes:

Crawled out of his crib,
Found a herd of Apollo’s sacred cattle,
Stole them, and
Covered his tracks by walking backward in the sand.

Later, he returned home and pretended to be a sleeping baby. Apollo found out, of course, but instead of punishment, Hermes offered him a new invention: the lyre, made from a tortoise shell. Apollo was so amazed, he forgave him—and even gave Hermes a golden staff.

Infant Hermes stealing cattle from Apollo in a Greek myth scene. — Even as a baby, Hermes showed his wit by tricking Apollo.

Hermes: Messenger of the Gods

Hermes was given a special job by Zeus—to be the official messenger between gods, humans, and even the underworld. He wore:

Winged sandals called talaria
A winged helmet
A magical staff with two snakes, called the caduceus

He could fly across the world in a flash, delivering messages and guiding souls. Because of his speed and style, Hermes was seen as charming, smart, and always in motion.

Hermes flying with winged sandals and caduceus in Greek mythology. — Hermes—the swift-footed messenger of the gods, always on the move.

God of Many Things

Hermes wasn’t just a messenger. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of:

Travelers and roads
Thieves and trickery
Merchants and trade
Athletes and sports
Language and wit

Because he moved between worlds—Olympus, Earth, and the Underworld—he was also a guide for souls, helping people cross from life to death peacefully.

Hermes and the Underworld

One of Hermes’ most powerful roles was as a psychopomp—a guide of souls. He was the only Olympian god allowed to freely enter and leave the Underworld.

When someone died, Hermes would gently lead their soul to Hades, the realm of the dead. He wasn’t scary like some underworld figures—instead, he made the journey less lonely.

This is why Hermes is often seen as a protector of both the living and the dead.

Hermes guiding souls to the Underworld in Greek mythology. — Hermes gently guides souls from the world of the living to Hades.

Symbols of Hermes

Hermes has many symbols that help us recognize him in ancient art:

Caduceus – his magical staff, often confused with a medical symbol
Winged sandals – for fast travel
Winged helmet – called the petasos
Tortoise – a nod to the first lyre he invented
Purse or pouch – showing his role in trade and commerce

In Greek mythology, Hermes was often drawn as a youthful man, energetic and joyful, dashing across the sky.

Hermes in Modern Fan Culture

Today, Hermes remains a popular figure in books, games, and fanart. Artists love to show him as:

A clever trickster with a mischievous smile
A glowing traveler with wind in his hair
A guide between light and dark

He appears in modern stories like:

📖 Percy Jackson series
🎮 Video games like Hades and God of War
🎬 Cartoons and movies where gods walk among humans

Whether drawn in ancient stone or colorful fanart, Hermes still feels young and alive.

Final Thoughts: The God Who Moves Between Worlds

Hermes was not the strongest god, nor the most feared—but he may have been the most human. Fast, funny, smart, and kind, he helped gods and mortals alike. He reminded people that wit can be stronger than weapons, and that even in darkness, someone is there to guide the way.

From the heavens to the underworld, Hermes brought messages, ideas, and hope—and his myth continues to travel through time.

Famous Myths Featuring Hermes

The Cattle of Apollo

As mentioned earlier, Hermes’ first trick—stealing Apollo’s sacred cattle—became one of the most famous tales in all mythology. But this story was more than a prank. It showed that even as a newborn, Hermes had the intelligence and charm to win over the gods.

This myth also explains how Hermes created the lyre, which later became one of Apollo’s favorite instruments.

Hermes and Argus Panoptes

In another myth, Hermes is sent by Zeus to rescue Io, a mortal woman transformed into a cow and guarded by Argus, a giant with 100 eyes.

Using his cleverness and music, Hermes lulled Argus to sleep and slew him silently, earning the title Hermes Argeiphontes, meaning “slayer of Argus.”

This act made Hermes a god of cunning and stealth, not just speech.

Hermes the Guide of Heroes

Hermes often helped heroes on their journeys. In some versions of the Odyssey, he assists Odysseus by giving him moly, a magical herb, to resist Circe’s spells.

In The Iliad, he guides King Priam safely to Achilles’ tent so he can beg for the return of his son Hector’s body.

These myths show Hermes as more than a messenger—he is a protector, advisor, and companion to those on difficult paths.

Deeper Meaning of Hermes

Hermes is a symbol of communication, both spoken and spiritual. He reminds us that:

Words carry power—they can heal, trick, or inspire.
Movement is life—Hermes never stays still; he’s a symbol of action.
Boundaries can be crossed—between heaven and earth, or life and death.

Because of these traits, Hermes is often associated with travelers, entrepreneurs, teachers, writers, and inventors in the modern world.

Hermes’ Worship and Temples

Though not as many grand temples were built for Hermes compared to Zeus or Athena, he was widely worshiped in smaller shrines, crossroads, and public spaces.

Hermes was honored with herms—stone pillars with his head and sometimes… other body parts. These were placed at:

City gates
Roadsides
Gymnasiums
Markets

People prayed to Hermes before starting a journey, opening a new business, or asking for safe passage between realms.

Hermes in Philosophy and Psychology

In modern times, Hermes became a symbol in Jungian psychology, representing the “trickster archetype”—a being who brings change, tests rules, and shakes things up so growth can happen.

He’s also a spiritual symbol of the balance between opposites:

Light and dark
Fast and slow
Life and afterlife
Order and chaos

His dual nature makes him one of the most complex and relatable Greek gods.

More Stories: Greek Mythology

Fun Things Hermes Did

Hermes was always busy, zipping around and getting things done. Here are some of his greatest adventures:

Inventing the Lyre: He made the first lyre (a stringed instrument like a small harp) out of a tortoise shell and strings. It was so beautiful that Apollo loved it!
Helping Heroes: Hermes gave Perseus a pair of winged sandals to fight the monster Medusa. He also helped Odysseus escape from a tricky situation with the sorceress Circe.
Delivering Messages: As the gods’ messenger, Hermes carried important news, like Zeus’s orders or invitations to godly parties.
Guiding Souls: He gently led souls to the Underworld, making sure they weren’t scared on their journey.

Why Kids Will Love Hermes

Hermes is the perfect god for kids who love running, exploring, or coming up with clever ideas. If you enjoy sports, traveling, or even telling jokes, you’re a lot like Hermes! His stories are full of excitement, like a treasure hunt or a race against time. Plus, his winged sandals are just so cool—imagine flying to school or the park in those!

Hermes also shows us that being kind and helpful, like when he guided souls or helped heroes, is just as important as being fast or clever.

Fun Facts About Hermes

His Roman Name: In Roman mythology, Hermes is called Mercury, which is also the name of a super-fast planet!
His Symbols: Look for Hermes with his winged sandals, winged hat (called a petasos), or a staff called a caduceus, which has two snakes and wings.
God of Thieves?: Yup, Hermes was the patron of thieves because he was so sneaky, but he used his powers for good (mostly!).
Olympic Connection: Hermes loved sports and was linked to the ancient Olympic Games, where athletes competed to show their speed and strength.

Hermes’ Lesson for Kids

Hermes teaches us that being quick, kind, and creative can take you far. Whether you’re solving a problem, helping a friend, or trying something new, channel your inner Hermes and tackle it with energy and a smile! His story also reminds us that it’s okay to have fun and be a little mischievous, as long as you’re not hurting anyone.

Want to Learn More?

Hermes is just one of the amazing gods in our Top 10 Greek Gods series! Check out our other posts to meet Prometheus, the fire-stealing Titan, Hephaestus, the god of forging, and more. Each god has their own thrilling tale, and they’re all linked together to guide you through the exciting world of Greek mythology. Which god is your favorite so far? Let us know!

Keep zooming, keep exploring, and stay speedy, just like Hermes!