The fleet-footed messenger with wings on his heels and cap symbolizes fast delivery. However, Hermes was neither originally winged nor a messenger - that role was reserved for the rainbow goddess Iris (Medusa's cousin and the daughter of Thaumys and Elektra). Hermes was, instead, clever, tricky, a thief, and, with his awakening or sleep conferring wand (rhabdos), the original sandman whose descendants include a major Greek hero and a noisy, fun-loving god. Before Zeus married …showed first 75 words of 781 total…

…showed last 75 words of 781 total…then Atreus took revenge by serving up to Thyestes his own sons for dinner. In another event with bloody impact, Hermes escorted the three goddesses to Paris, so suddenly the Trojan War. Works Cited: Larry Krumenaker. “Hermes” 2001. December 15, 2001 (http://www.hermograph.com/science/mercury2.htm) Stephan A. Hoeller. “On the Trail of the Winged God” 2001. December 15, 2001 (http://www.webcom.com/~gnosis/hermes.htm) “Mercury God of Commerce/Speed” February 25, 2000. December 16, 2001 (http://waltm.net/mercury.htm)