According to legend, Hermes is the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia. Hermes, the Greek god of heraldry, herd, travel, language, and athletics, is also known as the god of animal husbandry, heralds, birds of omen, thieves & trickery, trade & merchants, language & crafty wiles and the guide of the death. According to some books and web pages, he also played various divine roles such as the God of roads, travelers & hospitality, feasts & banquets, sleep & dreams of Omen, rustic divination, contests, gymnasiums & the games, astronomy & the calendar and last but not the least rustic music, poetry & animal fables. Most importantly, he is the messenger of the gods. Part of his duty is to guide all the souls of the dead down to the psychopomp, which is also known as the Underworld.