Hermes

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Hermes is an Olympian god in Greek religion and mythology, born to Zeus and Maia, a Pleiad. He's the second youngest of the Olympian gods, after Dionysus. Hermes is known for being quick-witted and cunning, effortlessly moving between mortal and divine realms. As a messenger and emissary, he connects mortals with the gods, guiding souls into the afterlife. He's revered as a protector and patron of herdsmen, thieves, orators, literature, poetry, athletics, sports, invention, trade, roads, boundaries, and travelers. Throughout Greek art and culture, Hermes' image evolved significantly. During Archaic Greece, he was depicted as a mature man, bearded, dressed in traveler's attire or carrying a shepherd's staff. In Classical and Hellenistic Greece, he was often shown young and nude, highlighting his athletic prowess as the god of speech and gymnastics. Phidias created a famous statue of Hermes Logios, while Praxiteles sculpted another depicting him with baby Dionysus in his arms. Despite variations in representation, certain characteristics remained consistent throughout Hellenistic periods, Roman times, and Western history. His iconic objects, such as sandals called pedila or talaria, are still recognizable today. Originally made from palm and myrtle branches, these beautiful, golden, and immortal sandals were said to enable Hermes to traverse roads with the speed of wind.