Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Messenger and herald of the gods in Greek mythology: Hermes is a deity who serves as the divine messenger, carrying communications between the gods and between the gods and mortals.
   • God of specific domains: He is the patron god of commerce, cunning, invention, and theft, embodying qualities of cleverness, eloquence, and transition.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • In the myth, Hermes delivered Zeus's command to Calypso. (The god Hermes acted as a messenger in this story.)
  • Merchants in ancient Greece might pray to Hermes for success in trade. (This shows his association with commerce.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hermes Trismegistus": A legendary Hellenistic figure combining aspects of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth, associated with esoteric wisdom, alchemy, and astrology.
  • The writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus were influential in Renaissance thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Hermetic (adj): Pertaining to alchemy, magic, or occult sciences; also meaning airtight or sealed.

  • The hermetic teachings were secret and complex.
  • The jar had a hermetic seal.

• Hermeneutics (n): The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural or literary texts.

  • Biblical hermeneutics involves interpreting religious texts.

Synonyms

• Mercury: The Roman god identified with Hermes, sharing similar attributes as a messenger and god of commerce.
• Messenger: A general term for one who carries messages, reflecting Hermes's primary role.

Related Phrases

• "Caduceus of Hermes": Refers to his iconic staff, entwined with two serpents, which is a symbol of commerce and negotiation, often confused with the Rod of Asclepius (a medical symbol with a single serpent).
  • The caduceus is sometimes used as a symbol in medicine, though this is historically inaccurate.

Related Idioms

• "A Hermes-like speed": Used to describe exceptional swiftness or efficiency, alluding to the god's role as a fast messenger.
  • The courier delivered the package with Hermes-like speed.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with Roman Mercury