Hermes was one of the 12 Olympian Gods, the second youngest Olympian and the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades, daughter of the Titan Atlas. Hermes was born in a cave on a mountain in Arcadia; he was conceived and born within the course of one day. He was the god of trade, travelers, sports, athletes and border crossings.
In his role as herald, it also fell to him to lead souls to Hades. He was the only one, other than Hades and Persephone, who was allowed to leave the underworld without consequences. His ability to freely move between the mortal and divine worlds made him a messenger to the gods and intercessor between mortals and the Olympians.
He was also the protector of herdsmen, literature and poets, invention and trade. Hermes is most often presented as a graceful youth, wearing a winged hat and winged sandals.
As was the case with other gods, Hermes was known for plenty love affairs with mortals, goddesses and nymphs. Hermaphroditus was an androgynous deity and the offspring of Hermes and Aphrodite. Pan who was also his son, was born half man half goat.
The attributes and symbols of Hermes include the herma, the rooster, the tortoise, satchel or pouch, talaria (winged sandals), and winged helmet or simple petasos, as well as the palm tree, goat, the number four, several kinds of fish, and incense.
However, his main symbol is the caduceus, a winged staff intertwined with two snakes copulating and carvings of the other gods.