Even more than his clothing and animals, however, Hermes could be identified by his caduceus. Originally a venerable bearded figure, he eventually came to be seen as more youthful and athletic. The caduceus, his distinctive staff, was recognized in Greece as an emblem of messengers and diplomats. Christianity originated in the Roman Era and quickly spread throughout the Empire. He also helped Heracles in capturing the three-headed dog Cerberus from the Underworld. Symbols: Tortoise, caduceus (staff), winged sandals, winged cap, and rooster… The older image of the god, and his ancient fertility symbolism, was still used in road and boundary markers. I have been in love with all things related to Mythology. The caduceus is more accurately used today as a symbol of commerce, just as it was in the Greek world. He once took the guise of a slave trader and sold the hero Heracles to the Queen of Lydia. In fact, while his wings are appropriately used for messages and postal services, many of the most distinctive symbols of Hermes have very different meanings today. Hermes was the patron of both merchants and thieves and oversaw the movement of goods and people across borders. The same staff was also borne by heralds in general, for example by Iris, the messenger of Hera. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In adopting symbolism for Jesus Christ, his followers looked to the pagan god of shepherds. History >> Ancient Greece >> Greek Mythology. The Symbols of Hermes In the sculptures, vases, mosaics and paintings of Greek Art the god Hermes was often illustrated with images representing his symbols - his winged sandals and helmet, caduceus (a staff entwined by snakes), tortoise and hawk. He used his lyre to lull the hundred-eyed giant Argus to sleep and then slew the giant to rescue the maiden Io. The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology and consequently by Hermes Trismegistus in Greco-Egyptian mythology. The modern image of Jesus Christ as a shepherd may seem completely removed from ancient roadside phallic markers, but they have a shared root in the changing symbols of Hermes. The god’s wings were added later in the development of his imagery, but they came to be closely associated with the speed and reliability of his messages. The older version of Hermes was often maintained, however, on the herma. In addition to his wings, Hermes had many other symbols that tied him to his role as both a messenger and a shepherd. In archaic art, apart from the stylized herms, he was portrayed as a full-grown and bearded man, clothed in a long tunic and often wearing a cap and winged boots. Most people remember Hermes from his iconic winged sandals. While other gods sometimes carried a similar staff, particularly other messengers like Iris, it was most often associated with Hermes. The figure of Hermes changed considerably throughout Greek history. Early Christianity adopted familiar Greco-Roman iconography to appeal to the tastes and traditions of these converts. His caduceus is often confused with the rod of Asclepius, the god of physicians, which only had one snake and lacked the wings or sphere at the top. The symbols and images of Hermes, however, changed often throughout Greek history. My name is Mike and for as long as I can remember (too long!) The image of Hermes on markers of boundaries and roads was symbolic of his role as the god of travelers and messengers. It was his job to fetch Persephone from the god Hades in the Underworld. The symbols of Hermes were: Winged sandals and helmet Listen to a recorded reading of this page. Like most gods in the Greek pantheon, Hermes had certain symbols that made him immediately recognizable. What you might not recognize, though, is how the symbols of Hermes have carried over into life in the 21st century! One of the descriptions given of Jesus in Christianity is that he is like a shepherd who guards his flock, an allegory for the church. It is in religion. Hermes. He inherited this position from his half-brother Apollo after stealing the older god’s cattle as a newborn. They were finely made of gold and designed to let him travel at incredible speeds. His association with rural life was also evident in his distinctive headwear. In some records Iris is a fraternal twin to the Titaness Arke (arch), who flew out of the company of Olympian gods to join the Titans as their messenger goddess during the Titanomachy, making the two sisters enemy messenger goddesses.Iris was said to have golden wings, whereas Arke had iridescent ones. It is often associated with the practice of medicine. Hermes has never been said to have reigned, but with his connection to Zeus, most-likely had a favor from his father in order for his bidding to be carried out or to sabotage other gods. As the god of travel, roads, and crossing borders Hermes was pictured in his older form across Greece. Mercury, the Roman equivalent of Hermes, was often shown carrying a lamb as his Greek counterpart had been. This iconic staff had two intertwined snakes wrapped around it and was often topped with a sphere or wings. This is not because of any myth concerning Hermes. He would disguise himself as a traveler in order to test the hospitality of mortals. Symbols of Hermes The caduceus (his staff), the purse (or leather pouch), the winged sandals, the ram and the petasus (his hat). It was both a powerful magical object that could cause sleep and a symbol of his role as the herald of Zeus. In the archaic period, Hermes was shown as an older god with a full beard and serious face in much the same way as Zeus or Poseidon. While many of the symbols of Hermes persisted into the modern world, they sometimes did so in unexpected ways. Originally simple stone markers, these boundary stones were later replaced by stone or bronze pillars topped with the god’s likeness. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. One of the most enduring symbols of Hermes, however, is his sacred animal. Please like and share this article if you found it useful. In times of religious persecution, similarities in Roman and Christian symbolism could also allow a Christian to pass as a pagan. The more youthful form is the most familiar, however. A Christian prayer also likens Jesus himself to the lamb in reference to the sacrifice of his death. His hat and sandals were often adorned with small wings, which were also sometimes shown growing directly out of the god’s body. While his importance as a fertility god had diminished this imagery, like his bearded face, remained in some contexts. This familiar image was adopted in reference to Jesus and is still popular in Christian churches today. It was both a powerful magical object that could cause sleep … The most distinctive symbol associated with Hermes, however, was the caduceus. From parcel mail to floral delivery, companies in the 21st century still use elements of the ancient image of Hermes to symbolize speed and accuracy. The form of Hermes changed and evolved throughout its usage in the ancient world until it was eventually applied to another religion entirely. Because of this, they were a natural choice for the logos of many modern mail and delivery services. In later time periods it was confused for the rod of Asclepius, the god of physicians, and is still sometimes mistakenly used as a symbol in the medical field. Hermes was sometimes shown with a lamb in reference to his role as a god of shepherds. Messenger of the gods. History >> Ancient Greece >> Greek Mythology. The most distinctive symbol associated with Hermes, however, was the caduceus. The caduceus has a more unusual association in the modern world. The wide-brimmed hat, or petasos, that Hermes often wears is distinct among the gods but would have been a common sight among the people of Greece. This iconic staff, topped with wings and intertwined with twisting snakes, was a symbol of his position as Zeus’s herald and messenger. It also symbolized his ability to cross boundaries, both on land and between realms.