Imagine dashing through the air on a mission for Zeus. This was a one and only job for the swift Hermes. The concept of gods can be traced back as far as the Sumerians. However, the ancient Greeks were first to create legends and religion based on gods. According to the Greeks, gods and goddesses shared human qualities. Each deity was thought to have possessed mystical and unique powers. For example, Hermes, whose Roman name is Mercury, is the messenger of the gods. Although most people consider him as a harmless god, others regard him as a thief. Even as a god, Hermes and his unpredictable acts mirrored human imperfection.
             According to Greek Gods and Heroes, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia. Born with great agility, Hermes was faster than anyone and any god. Even at a young age, he started his job as a courier of his father. Hermes was also a strong advocate of traders, merchants, thieves. However, it was his intelligence and theft capabilities that won him recognition as a god. Lastly, he was a guide who led dead souls to Hades, God of the Underworld. Some characteristics of Hermes include his ingenuity, knowledge, and shrewdness. (Graves 29)
             He was a favorite child of Zeus and Maia. Nevertheless, he caused a great deal of trouble. One of the most famous myths, the Homeric Hymn about Hermes, shows his extreme intellect and theft expertise even as a toddler. To make a long story short, Hermes conned Apollo, God of Music, by stealing Apollo's cattle and blatantly lying to Zeus about the whole incident. Even though he wasn't punished, Hermes learned an important lesson in this myth. After promising to never
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