What Were Hermes Two Jobs?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and athletes, was one of the most important and complex gods in ancient Greek mythology. He was also known as the messenger of the gods and had two primary jobs – one as a messenger and another as a guide to the underworld.

Messenger of the Gods:
As a messenger of the gods, Hermes was responsible for delivering messages between the gods and mortals. He was quick on his feet and had wings on his sandals that allowed him to travel at incredible speeds. He was also known for his wit and cunning intelligence that helped him solve problems quickly.

Hermes’ Role in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, Hermes played an important role in many stories. One of his most famous feats was stealing Apollo’s cattle when he was just a baby.

Despite being caught by Apollo, Hermes managed to talk his way out of trouble by offering Apollo a lyre he had invented. This incident is seen as an example of Hermes’ cunning intelligence.

Guide to the Underworld:
Apart from being a messenger, Hermes was also responsible for guiding souls to the underworld after they died. He would escort them through dangerous paths and ensure their safe arrival in Hades’ realm.

The Symbolism of Hermes

Hermes is often depicted with various symbols that represent his different roles. His winged sandals represent his speed as a messenger while his caduceus (a staff with two snakes coiled around it) represents his role as a guide to the underworld. The lyre he invented represents his musical talents and intelligence.

    Other Symbols associated with Hermes include:
  • The petasos hat – A broad-brimmed hat worn by travelers
  • The tortoise – Used by Hermes to invent the lyre
  • Conclusion:

    Hermes was a fascinating and complex god in Greek mythology with two primary jobs – one as a messenger of the gods and another as a guide to the underworld. His intelligence, wit, and speed were unmatched, and he played an important role in many stories. The symbols associated with him represent his different roles and are still used today in various forms of art and literature.