Homer described Hermes as a thief, driver of cattle and harbinger of dreams, but according to Greek mythology, he was the son of Zeus and Maia. Zeus was the Olympian ruler of the heavens, while Maia was the daughter of Atlas.
Hermes was born in a cave located on Mt. Cyllene. His mother lived in this cave. During infancy, it was visible that Hermes was born with superpowers as he was able to accomplish numerous feats. A few hours after he was born, Hermes walked to Pieria. Here he found cattle belonging to Apollo, who was his half brother. He padded the hooves of the cattle and drove fifty from the herd backwards to confuse anyone who wanted to follow the tracks of the cattle. He then took the cattle with him, and from the herd he sacrificed 2 cows at Alpheios River to please the gods.
As he was heading home with the cattle, he found a tortoise. He killed it and used the shell and the leather from the death cows to make his first lyre. On discovering the robbery of his herd, Apollo was furious and figured out that Hermes was the culprit. However, Zeus stepped in and made Hermes hand over his lyre as compensation to Apollo. Later on, Hermes created a pan pipe, which was again given to Apollo. However, Apollo gave Hermes his golden staff that he used in several of his adventures.
Along with the golden staff, other symbols of Hermes are the winged cap and winged sandals.
When Hermes was a youngster, Zeus made his the god of trade and commerce. For this he was given the winged sandals. As a god, Hermes had power to control birds of omen, sheep, lions, boars and dogs. He was also the messenger of gods and use to chaperone the death to the Underworld to Hades.
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