Hermes is one of the Greek gods. He was identified by the Romans with their Mercurius (Mercury). His stone monuments in ancient Greece were erected in streets, courtyards and gymnasia in the cities, and they were represented by a square columns whith a phallic symbol. The name of the monuments was inspired by the name of Hermes. The monuments were called herms, and, of course, they were dedicated to Hermes. His name is also connected with stone heaps around a pillar, which is the earliest herms. These herms were erected on moutaintops, boundary points and crossroads. The herms indicate that Hermes was a god of fertility. In spite of this, Hermes was also the patron deity of shepherds, travellers, merchants and athletes. In addition, Hermes was also the patron deity of thieves. As a magician Hermes was regarded as a trickster and the culture-hero. Consequently, Hermes had a doubleness in his personality.

Hermes was son of Zeus, the Olympian god and supreme ruler of the Greek gods, and the nymph Maia, the Titan Atlas' daughter. Hera, Olympian goddess and the wife of Zeus, was his foster mother. Hermes was, however, an subordinate to his father and ruler as his messenger and herald. In Greek poetry, drama and art he is characteristically depicted with the broad-brimmed hat and the solid sandals of the traveller. As mentioned, Hermes was a magician, trickster and culture-hero. In Greek art his magical powers are suggested by wings attached to his sandals and by the magic wand or herald's staff in his hand ( gr. kerykeion; lat. caduceus: a staff entwined with two serpents). Myths describe his interest for trickery, especially the Homeric Hymn to Hermes. It tells how Hermes, on the very day of his birth, stole the cattle of Apollo, Olympian god and half brother of Hermes. Hermes hid the cattle cunningly, and he did not give them up until he had struck a shrewd bargain with Apollo, gaining for himself recognition as a god of cattle on par with Apollo. Hermes was known as Nomios (gr.), "The Pasturer". As a magician and a messenger he was able to control the souls of the dead and guide them to Hades. This is the reason why Hermes was titled Psychopompos (gr.), guide of the souls. Hermes helped the other gods, i.e. Zeus, in many ways.

Hermes did also have an role in the art of love, especially with Aphrodite, Olympian goddess, goddess of love and half sister of Hermes. The connection between Aphrodite and Hermes gave the rise of Hermaphroditus and Priapus. His other sons were Cephalus, Daphnis, and Pan.

Sources:

Who's Who in Classical Mythology, Grant, M. & Hazel. J, The Routledge Who's Who Series, Routledge, London & New York, Reprinted Edition 2002, article: Hermes.

MSN Encarta, Encyclopedia Encarta, article: Hermes.

Norvegicus Lupus