Known most commonly as the messenger god, Hermes played a large role in Greek and Roman mythology. Keep reading as we break down the stories of Hermes and his importance to the Holle Awards.
Who is Hermes?
One of the 12 Olympian deities, and typically depicted in his winged shoes, Hermes served as the god of: herds and flocks, travellers and hospitality, roads and trade, thievery and cunning, heralds and diplomacy, athletic contests and gymnasiums, astronomy and astrology, and most importantly, of communication.
His role as a communicator crossed many channels–he was the personal messenger for Zeus, and helped guide dead souls down into the underworld. But this theme runs through his other domains, as well. Shepherds rely on communication to protect their flocks. Diplomacy needs communication to keep the peace. Travelers rely on communication to find a haven or their destination, while thieves rely on it to survive. Athletes rely on communication to win.
It’s no coincidence that the domains over which Hermes presides coincide with the growth of civilization. Things like travel, diplomacy, trade, and shepherding were all incredibly important culturally for the ancient Greeks, and often formed the basis for much of society. It should come, then, as no surprise that Hermes is also often considered the protector of humans.
Symbols of Hermes
Encompassing so many domains, Hermes naturally has quite a few symbols. As mentioned, most people immediately associate Hermes with his winged shoes, but he’s also known for carrying a caduceus, or winged staff.
Hermes also inspired stone road markers, called herma, which doubled as roadside shrines. Because of his association with shepherds, Hermes was often depicted with a ram.
Hermes Rises
The trophy for the Holle Awards, commissioned by Brigadier General Holle, was inspired by Hermes. In conversations with artist and protege, Leah Webb, the messenger to the gods kept returning to the forefront, a change of pace for the deity.
Despite his prominence in a plethora of stories, Hermes’ role is typically relegated to the background. In pop culture, he’s often plays a supporting character. And yet, Hermes is a major deity, and one who appears in mythology quite frequently.
The Holle Awards honor and celebrate student work that exemplifies excellence in communication. Works that inspire, inform, and entertain us, and in doing so, elevate us all to embody the high standards of these awards. This, too, is the role that Hermes plays–inspiring, informing, and entertaining humans, and with his wings, elevating civilization as a whole. Without him–without communication–civilization would