Parents: Zeus and Maia

Childhood: Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene. On the very first day of his life, he snuck out of his cradle and stole Apollo's sacred cattle. He also invented the lyre that same day by stringing a tortoise shell with cow gut.

Story: Hermes was the messenger of the gods, known for his incredible speed and cunning. Wearing his winged sandals and carrying his caduceus staff, he traveled freely between the worlds of the living, the dead, and the gods. He was the guide of souls, leading the dead to the Underworld. Hermes was also the patron of travelers, thieves, and merchants — a trickster god who could talk his way out of anything. He was one of the few gods who could enter and leave the Underworld freely, making him an essential link between all realms.

Hermes and Apollo: On the very first day of his life, baby Hermes snuck out of his cradle and found a tortoise. He killed it, stretched cow gut across its shell, and invented the lyre — the first stringed instrument. That same day, he crept to Apollo's pasture and stole fifty of his sacred cattle, cleverly making them walk backwards so their hoofprints pointed the wrong way. When Apollo finally tracked him down, Hermes was back in his cradle, pretending to be an innocent baby. Apollo was furious, but when Hermes played the lyre for him, Apollo was so enchanted by the music that he traded his entire herd of cattle for the instrument. The two became close friends, and Apollo gave Hermes his caduceus staff in return.

Guide of Souls: One of Hermes's most solemn duties was serving as the Psychopomp — the guide of dead souls to the Underworld. When a mortal died, it was Hermes who appeared to gently lead their spirit down to the realm of Hades. He was one of the very few beings who could freely cross the boundary between the living and the dead. This role made Hermes unique among the gods — he was present at the most joyful moments (as god of merchants and travelers) and the most sorrowful (as the last face the dead would see). He also served as the gods' diplomat, often sent to deliver difficult messages or negotiate between warring parties.

Symbol: Caduceus (winged staff with two snakes), winged sandals, winged helmet.

Represents: Messengers, travel, trade, thieves, and the guide of souls to the Underworld.