Hermes was the Greek god of Commerce, son of Zeus and Maia. Quick acting and cunning, he was able to move swiftly between the world of man and the world of gods, acting as a messenger of the gods and the link between mortals and Olympians.

He was protector of travelers, thieves and athletes. He occasionally tricked the other gods for his own amusement or in an effort to protect humans. With the ability to move freely between the worlds, he also served as the guide of the souls of the dead to the Underworld and the afterlife.


                                               


When Hermes was born, he jumped out of his crib, stole Apollo's cattle and went back to his crib playing innocent. However, Apollo figured it out, grabbed Hermes and went to Zeus to complain. The father of gods simply laughed and didn't punish Hermes. To apologize, Hermes gave Apollo the lyre which he had just invented.