Hermes

Also known as: Agetor / Cyllenian Hermes / Hermes the Athlete · Family: divine · Role: god · First appears: Book 1 · Chapter 27

Hermes, also known as Agetor, Cyllenian Hermes, and Hermes the Athlete, is a divine god. In Book 1, a wooden image of him was said to be a votive offering from Cecrops, and he shared a dedication with Vesta, Amphiaraus, and the sons of Amphilochus. His parentage was attributed to several figures: Ceryx was claimed by heralds as his son by Aglaurus rather than Eumolpus, while Eleusis was said by some to be his son by Daira. In Book 2, Hermes was associated with Phorbas, whom he loved most among the Trojans and whose wealth he increased; Bunus was his son by Alcidamea, and Polybus his son by Chthonophyle. He was also credited with rescuing Æsculapius from the flames, while statues connected him with Epeus and Hercules.

In Book 3, Hermes carried a little Dionysus, brought the goddesses Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite before Paris for the beauty judgment, and took Castor and Pollux to Pellana to be raised. Later traditions named Pharis as his son by Phylodamea, and Autolycus, Myrtilus, and Norax as his sons by Erythea or others in their respective accounts. Pelops built Hermes a temple and sacrificed to him after the murder of Myrtilus, while at Olympia Hermes challenged Apollo in a footrace and was defeated. He stood near Grace and Vesta, shared an altar with Apollo, and was shown leading the three goddesses to Paris. His images and dedications were associated with Onatas, Calliteles, Glaucias, Callon of Elis, and Simylus.

In Books 7–10, Hermes remained linked with Apollo through the story of the stolen oxen and the tradition that Hermes invented the lyre. Zeus sent him to save Callisto’s unborn child, and he was named for Cyllen, son of Elatus, in the traditions of Cyllene. At Chelydorea, he was said to have found a tortoise, skinned it, and made a lyre from it. Acacus, son of Lycaon, nursed him at Acacesium; Hermes was also called the messenger of Zeus and the conveyor of departed souls to Hades. He ended a pestilence at Tanagra by carrying a ram around its walls and led the young men against the Eretrians, helping bring about their defeat. He received a sacred sceptre from Zeus and passed it to Pelops, while at Themisonium he aided Hercules and Apollo in directing the Phrygians to safety.