Hermes

Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia. His functions were many, but he was primarily the messenger of the gods, particularly of Zeus, and conductor of souls to Hades. He was god of travelers and roads. Hermes is not a goddess. His most typical monument, the herma or herm, was a stone pillar which usually had a carved head on top and a phallus in the center. Hermes, the herald of the Olympian gods, is the son of [|Zeus] and the nymph [|Maia], daughter of [|Atlas] and one of the [|Pleiades]. Hermes is the god of shepherds, land travel, merchants, weights and measures, oratory, literature, athletics and thieves, and known for his cunning and shrewdness. Most importantly, he is the messenger of the gods. Besides that he was also a minor patron of poetry. He was worshiped throughout Greece -- especially in Arcadia -- and festivals in his honor were called Hermoea. Hermes was the speediest of the gods, with wings on his sandals and often, on his helmet and shoulders as well. He could visit Heaven, Earth and the Underworld with impunity.Ever since birth, Hermes had a passion for stealing and so was also the patron god of thieves and cheaters.Hermes invented the alphabet, numbers, weights, measures and music. As part of the latter, he created the lyre and plectrum by stretching strings across a tortoise shell.His symbol is the caduceus, a staff entwined by two snakes and decorated with two wings. Though originally a badge of heralds and messengers, it is now a symbol of medicine.Hermes was a deceptive character as denoted by his birth deep in the night. A famous thief, he was often called the 'Golden Crook'.Hermes' first crime was to steal cattle from the god Apollo. He sacrificed his stolen goods to various gods and goddesses, including himself.Hermes' assigned role was to act as the god of travelers. Stone statues of Hermes have been found along ancient trade and travel routes. A thief himself, he was also believed to have authority over all theives.