Hermes

ancient Greece · mythology · messenger · trickster

The Speediest God. Hermes had magical winged sandals called talaria that let him zoom between the world of gods and the world of mortals faster than anyone else. He was the ultimate messenger, carrying important news from one realm to another.

Guide of Souls. Hermes had a special job as the psychopomp, which means he guided people's souls to the afterlife when they died. He made sure everyone got where they needed to go in the next world.

Protector of Travelers. Merchants, traders, and people on journeys asked Hermes for protection and good luck on the road. He was also the protector of thieves and tricksters, which made him a pretty clever and unpredictable god.

Master of Words. Hermes wasn't just fast with his feet, but also quick with his tongue. He protected anyone who used words for a living, like public speakers and poets who told stories.

Clever Inventor. According to mythology, Hermes invented the lyre, a musical instrument, and even tricked Apollo out of his cattle when he was just a baby. He was famous for being smart and sneaky.