What Does Hermes Do in the Underworld?

Hermes, the Olympian god, is known for his quick wit and agility. He is often depicted as a messenger of the gods, carrying messages between them and mortals. However, one lesser-known aspect of Hermes is his role in the underworld.

When a mortal passes away, their soul is transported to the underworld. Here, they are judged by the god of the underworld, Hades. It is Hermes’ duty to guide the souls of the deceased to their final destination.

Upon arriving at the entrance to the underworld, Hermes meets with Charon, the ferryman of Hades. Charon ferries souls across the river Styx to reach their destination in the underworld.

Once across the river Styx, Hermes leads souls through winding paths and dark caverns until they reach their final destination. For those who have lived virtuous lives, they are sent to Elysium – a paradise reserved for heroes and those who have lived a blessed life.

For those who lived less than virtuous lives or committed heinous crimes, they are sent to Tartarus – a place of eternal punishment where they will suffer for eternity.

Hermes’ role in guiding souls highlights his importance in Greek mythology as a mediator between gods and mortals. His presence in both worlds allows him to carry out important duties such as guiding souls through their journey in death.

In addition to his role as a guide in the underworld, Hermes also has other responsibilities. He is known as the god of commerce and trade, as well as being associated with thievery and trickery.

In conclusion, while Hermes may be best known for his role as messenger of the gods, he also plays an important role in guiding souls through their journey in death. His presence in both worlds makes him an integral figure in Greek mythology and highlights his versatility as a god with various responsibilities and duties.