Mythography | The Greek God Hermes in Myth and Art

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Hermes at a Glance

name | Hermes (‘ErmhV)

role | god of merchants; messenger of Zeus

symbols | caduceus (kerykeion), winged boots

Hermes in Greek Mythology

[According to Hesiod] "Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. He presided over commerce, wrestling, and other gymnastic exercises, even over thieving, and everything, in short, which required skill and dexterity. He was the messenger of Zeus, and wore a winged cap and winged shoes. He bore in his hand a rod entwined with two serpents, called the caduceus.

Hermes is said to have invented the lyre. He found, one day, a tortoise, of which he took the shell, made holes in the opposite edges of it, and drew cords of linen through them, and the instrument was complete. The cords were nine, in honor of the nine Muses. Hermes gave the lyre to Apollo, and received from him in exchange the caduceus."

from Bulfinch's Mythology

In Roman mythology, the god Hermes was called Mercury.

Hermes in Art History

Gallery | For pictures and information about Hermes in art, visit the gallery!

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Who's Who in Classical Mythology

This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend. And there is a good entry on Hermes.

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