Hermes is the ancient Greek god of commerce, travelers, thieves, and messenger of the gods. He is one of the twelve Olympian gods and is often depicted as a young, athletic man with a winged helmet and sandals.
According to myth, Hermes was born to Zeus and the nymph Maia. As a baby, he was known for his precociousness, and he is said to have stolen Apollo’s cattle on the day of his birth. When Apollo confronted him about it, Hermes charmed him with his music and offered him a lyre that he had made from a tortoise shell. This act impressed Apollo, and he became one of Hermes’ closest friends.
Hermes was known for his speed and agility, and he was often tasked with delivering messages and performing other tasks for the gods. He was also considered the protector of travelers, thieves, and merchants and was worshipped by those who sought his protection during their journeys or business dealings.
In addition to his role as a messenger, Hermes was also associated with trickery and cunning. He was known for his ability to outwit his enemies and often played pranks on the other gods and mortals alike.
Overall, Hermes represented the importance of communication, travel, and commerce in ancient Greek society, and his influence can be seen in many aspects of Greek culture, including art, literature, and philosophy.