Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia. Hermes is Zeus's messenger. Hermes is the fastest of all the gods. He wears winged sandals, a winged hat, and carries a magic wand. Hermes is the god of thieves and commerce. He is also the guide for the dead to go to the underworld. Hermes invented the lyre, the pipes, the musical scale, astronomy, weights and measures, boxing, gymnastics, and the care of olive trees.