Hermes

**Hermes** is the Greek God of Trade and Commerce.

## **Background**

In Ancient Greek religion and mythology; Hermes is the son of Zeus and the Maia, he was the second youngest of the Olympian gods with Dionysus being the youngest.

Hermes was the emissary and messenger of the gods. Hermes was also "the divine trickster" the patron of herdsmen, thieves, graves, and heralds. He is described as moving freely between the worlds of the mortal and divine, and was the conductor of souls into the afterlife. He was also viewed as the protector and patron of roads and travelers.

In some myths, he is a trickster and outwits other gods for his own satisfaction or for the sake of humankind. His attributes and symbols include the herma, the rooster, the tortoise, satchel or pouch, winged sandals, and winged cap. His main symbol is the Greek *kerykeion* or Latin *caduceus,* which appears in a form of two snakes wrapped around a winged staff with carvings of the other gods.

## **Personality**

By all accounts, Hermes was a darling and sweetheart of the gods. He was the one who guided Persephone back to her mother, Demeter. Above all, Hermes was very close with his father, acting in many of his affairs as Zeus’ wingman. Most famously, he beheaded the hundred-eyed giant Argus, previously sent by Hera to closely watch over Zeus’ love interest Io.

He was known as a cunning trickster. In many tales, he doesn't use strength to win battles, but cunning and guile. Despite this, Hermes was cheerful, good humored. Ever since Apollo caught him stealing his cattle, Hermes has never told a lie since, though he doesn't always tell the entire story either.

## **Appearance**

Hermes appears as a young male with short hair and muscular build. His most recognizable feature is his winged sandals which he wears on his feet. He also wears a cap and carries a kerykeion.

## **Known Powers and Abilities**

Being one of the youngest gods of his generation, he was weaker than his siblings though he still possesses immense power.

* **Super Strength**- As a god, Hermes has immense physical strength, though weaker than his siblings.
* **Super Stamina**- Hermes could not tire no matter what he's been through, though he eats nectar and ambrosia to maintain himself.
* **Super Speed**- Hermes is so fast, he can travel the entire world in a matter of seconds.
* **Super Agility** - Along with speed Hermes´s most famous attribute was his immense physical agility. He was able to leap on great distance both horizontally and vertically, doing impressive gymnastic moves quickly climbs and was able to use his agility to combat effectively.
* **Immortality**- Being a god, Hermes is immortal and cannot die from aging or disease.
* **Nigh Invulnerability** - Hermes is immune to all forms of death and trauma and cannot be killed.
* **Nigh Indestructibility** - No mortal weapon is able to pierce Hermes' flesh.
* **Regeneration**- Hermes is able to regenerate any wound rapidly in a short period of time.
* **Reality Warping**- As a trickster god, Hermes can influence the very reality around him for his tricks and for his own personal use.
* **Shapeshifting**- Being a trickster god, Hermes is capable to shapeshifting into different forms to enact his pranks and practical jokes.
* **Teleportation**- In addition to his super speed, Hermes can instantly teleport anywhere in the universe when he wishes.
* **Power Granting**- He once bestowed the power of foresight to a mortal.
* **Telekinesis**- Hermes can mentally influence objects with his mind.
* **Astral Perception** - Hermes sometimes acts as a guide to the souls of the deceased is capable of seeing what is unseen as he can perceive the dead and the underworld.

## **Weaknesses**

* **Other Deities** - Zeus, his father, can overpower him.
* **Divine Weaponry** - A weapon of a god can harm Hermes.