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Hermes
Hermes · God of Travel, Trade, Thieves, and Messengers
Greek god of messengers, travelers, merchants, and thieves. Son of Zeus and Maia, born a prodigy — he stole Apollo's cattle on his first day. Guide of souls to the underworld (psychopomp), bearer of divine messages, lord of borders and transitions.
Origin
Born in a cave on Mount Cyllene, that same day he fashioned the lyre from a tortoise shell and stole Apollo's sacred cattle. Caught and rebuked, he reconciled by giving the lyre to Apollo. Thereafter he became Zeus's official herald.
Features
- Youthful, clever god with a sly smile
- Winged hat (petasos) and sandals (talaria)
- Caduceus — staff entwined with twin serpents
- Sometimes depicted as twins or as a shepherd
Stories
Patron of travelers, merchants, and diplomats; offerings sought safe voyages and fair trade. Thieves and gamblers invoked him privately. In funerals he guided souls to the underworld.