Classical Greek literature often portrays him as a joker and a trickster, and he is frequently shown disguised as other gods, whether it be for his own personal reasons or for the benefit of humanity.
Generally speaking, he is portrayed with certain specific features: winged sandals, a purse, and a typical Greek wide-brimmed hat called a petasos , decorated with wings, one on each side. However, his most recognisable attribute is his caduceus, the winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it and shown facing each other. The names of these two deities are still very present even today, and they have been updated to serve new functions.
For example, their names have been used for many different projects linked with telecommunications and high-speed services. Several characters from the world of science fiction have been inspired by figures from classical mythology. On many stamps that have been issued, the images of these deities have been used to evoke the very function of the mail, recalling the origins of messenger services and also establishing a link between mythology and the function of postal services.
The latter idea is associated with the task of ensuring that messages reach their destination as quickly as possible. The image of Iris has been portrayed twice on two different stamp series issued in France. The first series was issued between and , designed and engraved by Georges Hourriez. Initially, these stamps were printed in Paris, but as the region became occupied by German troops in the summer of , some batches were printed in Limoges.
A few years later, in , France issued a lovely airmail stamp featuring an image of Iris engraved by Pierre Gandon. This was no doubt created as a metaphor for the recent end of the Second World War.
Once again, the rainbow was used to herald the fact that the storm was now over. The image of Hermes has been used on numerous occasions for stamps issued in many countries around the world, including Greece, France, Austria, Poland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. The image is commonly used throughout the world to symbolise the function of the postal service. He was the second youngest Olympian god and was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and daughter of the Titan Atlas.
As the god of boundaries and transitions, Hermes was known to be quick and cunning and had the ability to freely move between the mortal and divine worlds. It is this skill that made him a luck-bringing messenger to the gods and intercessor between mortals and the divine.
He is also the patron and protector of travelers, herdsmen, thieves, orators and wit, literature and poets, athletics and sports, invention and trade. In some myths Hermes is also depicted as a trickster where he would outwit the gods either for the good of humankind or for his own personal amusement and satisfaction. Both Homer and Hesiod portrayed Hermes as the author of skilled or deceptive acts, and also as a benefactor of mortals.
If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content. Home » Greek Gods » Hermes. Greek God of Trade, Eloquence and Messenger of the Gods Hermes was one of the 12 Olympian Gods and was god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings, guide to the Underworld. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.
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