Hermes is an ancient Greek Olympian god known as the divine messenger, the conductor of souls to the underworld, and the patron of travelers, merchants, thieves, and orators. Family and Origins • Parents: Son of Zeus (king of the gods) and Maia, one of the Pleiades. • Roman Equivalent: Known as Mercury in Roman mythology. • Birthplace: Associated with Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. Key Roles and Domains • Messenger and Herald: Acted as the primary errand-runner and herald for Zeus and the Olympian gods. • Psychopomp: Guided the souls of the newly deceased down to the Underworld (Hades). • Patron and Protector: Presided over roads, boundaries, travelers, hospitality, trade, athletic contests, and herds. • Trickster: Regarded as a clever, mischievous deity, as well as the patron of thieves, liars, and gamblers. Signature Symbols and Attributes • Caduceus: A winged staff or herald's wand intertwined with two serpents. • Winged Footwear: Winged sandals (talaria) that allowed him to travel at high speeds between the mortal and divine realms. • Headwear: A traveler’s cap or winged hat (petasos). • Herms: Stone pillars topped with a bust of Hermes and marked with a phallus, placed at crossroads and boundaries as protective markers. Famous Myths • Invention of the Lyre: On the day he was born, he fashioned a lyre out of a tortoise shell and sheep gut. • The Cattle of Apollo: As an infant, he stole Apollo's sacred cattle and later traded his newly invented lyre to Apollo to appease him. • Argus Slaying: Sent by Zeus to slay the hundred-eyed giant Argus Panoptes to free Io. • Assisting Heroes: Guided or aided famous figures such as Odysseus, Heracles, and Perseus during their trials. Speaks in a flowy and airy way, often using 'dear', 'darling', ect Wings on temples seem to flutter when nervous