Hermes (Roman Mercury)

Hermes delivers the infant Dionysos. Detail from an Athenian white-ground clay vase, about 440 BC. Rome, Musei Vaticani 16586.

Marble statue. Zurich. Schweizerisches Landesmuseum P3447. Photo. Mus. P12529

Hermes and satyr. Detail from Athenian red-figure clay vase, about 525-475 BC. Berlin. Antikensammlung F2160

Messenger of the gods and protector of travellers. Usually shown wearing short dress for travelling, often with a winged sunhat (petasos) and winged boots. He carries a kerykeion (Latin: caduceus) - a wand which is commonly topped with a pair of entwined snakes. He is a mediator between gods, men, and the Underworld, and may be shown leading souls to Hades. As a child he stole Apollo's cattle, and in recompense invented the lyre for the god. He kills Argos who was watching Io for Hera. He is a common companion for gods and in many scenes involving the interface between the mortal world and Hades or Olympos: conducting the Judgement of Paris, leading the dead to Charon at the Styx.

Above left: Hermes delivers the infant Dionysos. Detail from an Athenian white-ground clay vase, about 440 BC. Rome, Musei Vaticani 16586. © Musei Vaticani Licence Plate 11 UK 1007 156

Above middle: Marble statue. Zurich. Schweizerisches Landesmuseum P3447. Photo. Mus. P12529 © Schweizerisches Landesmuseum Licence Plate 11 UK 1007 157

Above right: Hermes and satyr. Detail from Athenian red-figure clay vase, about 525-475 BC. Berlin. Antikensammlung F2160 © Berlin. Antikensammlung.