Hermes (Mercury)
In Greek mythology, Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia (the daughter of Atlas) and the father of Pan and Silenus. He wore winged sandals, a winged hat, and carried a wand with the Caduceus.
Hermes was Zeus' Messenger who did his bidding in the blink of an eye. He was also the Master Thief and began at this trade when he was less than one day old by stealing Apollo's herd that night. Zeus made Hermes return the herd. Hermes made it up to Apollo by presenting him with a lyre he had just invented, made of tortoise shell. Later in his life, Hermes used his cunning skills to free Ares from prison.
Hermes was also the God of Commerce and the Market and protector of traders. In addition, he was the Divine Herald, the guide of the dead who led souls to their final resting place.
Tales of Hermes depict him as the most cunning and shewd of gods.
Hermes Slays Argus
Hermes was also the name given to a small asteroid that in 1937 approached within 780,000 km of the earth, the closest approach of an asteroid ever observed.