Hermes
Hermes is the Greek god of messengers, travellers, trade, and thieves, and a guide for the dead. A son of Zeus, he moves between gods and humans. His cleverness and freedom to cross boundaries make him both a helpful guide and a trickster.
Key stories of Hermes
Stealing Apollo’s cattle
While still a baby, Hermes steals Apollo’s cattle and tries to hide what he has done. Their quarrel ends in reconciliation when Hermes gives Apollo the lyre he has invented.
In the Homeric Hymn to Hermes, Hermes returns to his cradle after stealing the cattle and acts like an innocent infant when Apollo confronts him.
In Homeric Hymn to Hermes by Anonymous
Helping Odysseus face Circe
Hermes helps Odysseus resist Circe’s magic so that he can rescue his companions. His knowledge gives a mortal a way through a supernatural danger.
In The Odyssey, Hermes meets Odysseus on his way to Circe’s house, gives him a protective plant, and explains how to deal with her.
In The Odyssey by Homer
Guiding Priam to Achilles
At Zeus’s command, Hermes leads the Trojan king Priam safely through the Greek camp. He helps a grieving father reach the enemy who holds his son’s body.
In The Iliad, Hermes approaches Priam in the shape of a young man and guides him past the guards to Achilles’ shelter.
In The Iliad by Homer
Leading souls to the underworld
Hermes guides the souls of the dead to the underworld. In this role, he leads them across a boundary they cannot cross alone.
Near the end of The Odyssey, Hermes gathers the souls of the slain suitors and leads them to the realm of the dead.
In The Odyssey by Homer
How to recognise Hermes in stories
- Look for a messenger carrying a herald’s staff, often shown with two entwined snakes.
- Notice winged sandals or a traveller’s hat.
- Watch for a clever guide who crosses between gods, humans, and the dead.
Free for 3 months
200,000+ classics. Every format, free to start.
eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and any book printed at cost, large print too.
Are Hermes and Mercury the same god?
Mercury is the Roman god commonly identified with the Greek Hermes. Classical writers often connect their roles as messengers and protectors of trade. A Roman poem may therefore call the familiar messenger figure Mercury rather than Hermes, though their religious traditions were not identical.
Is Hermes the god who rules the underworld?
No, Hermes guides souls to the underworld, while Hades rules it. This distinction matters when reading scenes of death: Hermes acts as an escort across the boundary, not as the ruler who receives or governs the dead.
Related terms
Books where you can see Hermes
Free for 3 months
200,000+ classics. Every format, free to start.
eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and any book printed at cost, large print too.
200,000+ classics to read and hear, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
