Hermes is the messenger of the Olympian Gods, as well as a psychopomp. While he originally had strong associations with the Underworld, his function expanded over time. He’s a trickster god, deity of merchants, protector of travelers, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though Hermes is considered a Greek god, his origins are likely far older. His name may derive from a Greek word meaning “stone cairn,” but he may have originated in Mesopotamia as a kind of snake deity that served as an emissary between humans and deities. Interestingly, this Mesopotamian snake god was depicted as a caduceus — one of Hermes’ symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to other sources, Hermes may have arisen as an aspect of Pan. This emphasizes his status as a deity of boundaries, which is underlined by the etymology of his name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this case, Hermes would’ve began as a god of boundary markers, and therefore also the ability to cross boundaries. This highlights his function as a messenger of the gods and psychopomp — as a deity of boundaries, he’s able to pass from one world to the next. This could also connect him to shamanic practices<\/a>, altered states of consciousness, and divination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hermes is sometimes referred to as Mercury in modern times. Mercury is the Roman God of commerce, with whom Hermes was eventually syncretized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n