Hermes is the god of commerce, travellers and thieves. His equivalent in Roman mythology is Mercury. Hermes is also the messenger of the gods to humans. The son of Zeus, Hermes was thought to have invented many sports and was a patron to athletes.
Many travellers would give offerings to Hermes before their journey, as he would offer protection to them in return. His winged sandals allowed him to travel with ease, even to the Realm of Hades and return to Olympus safely. Hermes also invented the lyre and traded it with Apollo.
Hermes is symbolised by his winged sandals.
