What Is Hermes Responsible For?

Hermes is one of the most well-known gods in Greek mythology. He is often depicted as a messenger of the gods, but his responsibilities go far beyond that. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Hermes is responsible for and how he fits into the larger pantheon of Greek deities.

The God of Many Talents

Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, one of the Pleiades. He was known for his quick wit, cunning, and intelligence.

Hermes was also a god of many talents and had a wide range of responsibilities. One of his most important roles was that of messenger to the gods.

Messenger to the Gods

As a messenger, Hermes was responsible for delivering messages from one god to another. He would often travel between Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, and the mortal world to carry out his duties. Hermes was also responsible for leading souls to the underworld after they had passed away.

The God of Commerce

In addition to his role as a messenger, Hermes was also considered the god of commerce. He was known as a patron of merchants and traders and oversaw all commercial transactions. This included everything from buying and selling goods to negotiating contracts.

The God of Thieves

Another responsibility that fell under Hermes’ domain was that of thieves. While stealing itself wasn’t necessarily condoned by the gods, Hermes was seen as their patron because he possessed many qualities that were valued by thieves such as cunningness and speed.

Symbolism

Hermes is often depicted with wings on his shoes or helmet symbolizing his speed and ability to travel quickly between worlds. He is also commonly shown carrying a caduceus – a winged staff with two entwined snakes around it – which represents peacekeeping and trade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was responsible for a wide range of duties in Greek mythology. He was the messenger of the gods, oversaw commerce, and was even considered the patron of thieves.

His intelligence and cunningness were highly valued by both mortals and gods alike. Through his many symbols and responsibilities, Hermes played an important role in Greek mythology and continues to be remembered as one of its most iconic figures.