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with a large number of offspring following liaisons with a number of mortals, goddesses and nymphs. Many of his offspring have their own roles in Greek mythology and are far too numerous to list all of them, though four of the more notable ones are Pan, Abderus, Hermaphroditus and Eros.

Pan was the half man, half goat son of Hermes and Dryope. Dryope is said to have ran from the sight of her son when he was born, at which point Pan was taken to Mount Olympus. The gods so loved Pan's laughter and appearance that he was given the role of patron to the fields, the shepherds and their flocks.

Abderus, was the companion of Heracles, before he was devoured by the Mares of Diomedes during Heracles' eighth task.

Hermaphroditus was the son of Hermes and the goddess Aphrodite, though raised by the water nymphs on Mount Ida. Hermaphroditus was changed into an intersex person, when the gods granted the nymph Salmacis' wish, that they would never be separated.

In some stories, Hermes was also the father of Eros, the winged god of love, again produced with the goddess Aphrodite, although Area and Hephaestus have been cited as the father as well.

As the friend of mortals, it is not surprising that Hermes was widely worshipped throughout Greece. The cult of Hermes though was especially prevalent in Arcadia, where Hermoea festivals would be held in his honour. Many Greeks would sacrifice before making any journey, in order that their trip would be without incident.

Even today Hermes has not completely disappeared, the Greek post office use an image of Hermes as their symbol. In popular culture Hermes also makes appearances, and in the television series of Wonder Woman' it was Hermes, who provided the gift of super speed and unaided flight.

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