Figures Throughout History: Hermes

Throughout history, influential figures are constantly reimagined or altered to fit a more modern societal view. When taking a dive into Ancient Greek gods it is very apparent how they have changed throughout time. One god who has some very noticeable attributes today is Hermes. He is the Greek god of travel, commerce, and communication, who was known as the swift messenger of the gods. He was also the protector of thieves and tricksters, using his cleverness and speed to move freely between the mortal and divine worlds. A few ways he is seen today are in the caduceus symbol, Nike shoes, delivery & logistics logos, and the Mercury symbol.

The caduceus, a staff with two snakes entwined and wings at the top, is a well-known symbol linked to Hermes. It represents commerce, negotiation, and communication, showing Hermes’ role as the god of trade and messengers. Although often confused with the Rod of Asclepius, which represents medicine, the caduceus has been mistakenly used in medical symbols. Many organizations related to finance, trade, and transportation use the caduceus in their logos to symbolize efficiency and movement. Its design has become a universal symbol of speed, diplomacy, and exchange.

Hermes was often depicted wearing winged sandals, known as talaria, which gave him unmatched speed. This imagery has influenced modern brands, especially in sports and footwear, with companies like Nike incorporating wing designs to symbolize speed and agility. The idea of winged shoes is also used in mythological inspired logos and pop culture, representing swiftness and quick delivery. Athletes and messengers in modern storytelling sometimes reference Hermes’ winged footwear to emphasize their speed. The symbolism continues to thrive in marketing and branding, particularly in industries focused on movement and efficiency.

As the messenger of the gods, Hermes is the perfect symbol for delivery services and logistics companies. Several shipping and courier brands, such as Hermes Parcel Delivery, use his name or imagery to represent speed and reliability. The idea of fast, efficient transportation is directly linked to Hermes’ role in mythology, where he could travel effortlessly between the mortal and divine worlds. Some postal services and freight companies incorporate winged motifs or Mercury references to suggest rapid communication. This connection to Hermes helps convey trust, quick service, and seamless global connections.

The planet Mercury, named after Hermes’ Roman name, is often represented by the symbol ☿. This symbol is used in alchemy, astrology, and science, reflecting Hermes’ intelligence. The symbol frequently appears in logos related to technology, media, and learning. In astrology, Mercury governs communication and travel, reinforcing its link to Hermes as a messenger god. The use of this symbol in modern industries highlights quick thinking, innovation, and movement, which are all traits associated with Hermes.

Hermes is just one of the countless examples of figures changing through time. Hermes is not someone who is known by all, but the features attributed to him in today's world are. This emphasizes how humans have changed throughout time, while still holding certain values as key parts of society.