#hermes epithets

Diaktoros(Διακτορος)- Guide, Messenger

Athanatos Diaktoros(Αθανατος Δαικτορος) - Immortal Guide

Angelos Athanatôn(Ανγελος Αθανατων) - Messenger of the Gods

Angelos Makarôn(Ανγελος Μακαρων) - Messenger of the Blessed

Khrysorrhapis(Χρυσορραπις) - Of the Golden Wand

Klepsiphrôn(Κλεπσιφρων) - Deceiver, Dissembler

Mêkhaniôtês(Μηχανιωτης) - Trickster, Contriver

Phêlêtês(Φηλητης) - Thief, Robber, Rustler

Arkhos Phêlêteôn(Αρχοσ Φηλητεων) - Leader of Robbers, Thieves

Poikilomêtês(Ποικιλομητης) - Full of Various Wiles

Polytropos(Πολυτροπος) - Wily, Many-Turning

Poneomenos(Πονεομενος) - Busy One

Bouphonos(Βουφονος) - Slayer of Oxen

Oiopolos(Οιοπολος) - Sheep Tending, Shepherd

Dais Hetairos(Δαις Ἑταιρος) - Comrade of the Feast

Kharidôtês(Χαριδωτης) - Giver of Joy

Kharmophrôn(Χαρμοπηρων) - Glad-hearted, Heart-Delighting

Dôtor Eaôn(Δωτορ Εαων) - Giver of Good Things

Akakêta(Ακακητα) - Guileless, Gracious

Euskopos(Ευσκοπος) - Keen Sighted, Watchful

Eriounês(Εριουνης) - Luck Bringing, Ready-Helper

Kydimos(Κυδιμος) - Glorious

Erikydês(Ερικυδης) - Famous, Glorious, Splendid

Aglaos(Αγλαος) - Splendid, Bright, Glorious

Kratus(Κρατυς) - Strong, Mighty

Hermes Mastêrios (Masterios), of Searchers, greatest of Patrons. Associated with searches of all kinds—searches for knowledge, wanderlust, wealth, items, etc.

"Not all those who wander are lost,"

“So much of who we are is where we have been.”

"The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life.”

"Your body tells you when it is time to work or when it's just time to relax and recuperate."

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

I was asked by someone in a Discord server I teach in to gather information about Hermes' epithets.

The following are various ones ranging from cultic, to poetic, to syncretic and more "abstract"/I derived on my own.

Enjoy!

1. Ἑρμῆς Ἀργειφόντης (Hermēs Argeiphontēs),,

Translation: Argus-Slayer or Killer of Argus. Source: Hesiod, Theogony 938; Homer, Iliad 24.24; Odyssey 1.38. Meaning: This epithet recalls Hermes’ slaying of the giant Argus Panoptes on Hera’s orders, freeing Io. It represents cunning intelligence and swift precision, framing Hermes as a divine executor of calculated acts. In later cult, it also signified his authority over secrecy and unseen movement.

2. Ἑρμῆς Κῠλλήνιος (Hermēs Kyllēnios),,

Translation: Of Mount Cyllene (in Arcadia). Source: Pindar, Olympian Odes 14.8; Pausanias 8.17.1. Meaning: A regional cult title marking Hermes’ Arcadian origin. Cyllene was both his birthplace and a locus of his earliest pastoral worship. The epithet ties Hermes to rural sanctity, shepherding, and boundary stones erected along mountain paths.

3. Ἑρμῆς Διάκτορος (Hermēs Diaktoros),,

Translation: The Messenger or Herald. Source: Homeric Hymn to Hermes 4.528; Iliad 24.334. Meaning: Among his most persistent poetic epithets, “Diaktoros” signifies his sacred role as intermediary between gods and mortals. The title reflects ritual diplomacy and the formal transmission of divine will, anchoring Hermes as the divine voice of negotiation and travel.

4. Ἑρμῆς Ἐριούνιος (Hermēs Eriounios),,

Translation: Bringer of Luck, of Good Fortune, or Helpful One. Source: Odyssey 8.322; Homeric Hymn to Hermes 4.13. Meaning: Scholars debate the precise etymology (possibly from erion “wool” or eri-ounios “very helpful”), but the function is clear: Hermes as a benevolent, fortune-bringing presence. The epithet merges commercial prosperity with divine cleverness.

5. Ἑρμῆς Ἐνόδιος (Hermēs Enodios),,

Translation: Of the Roads or Of the Wayside. Source: Orphic Hymn 28.6; Pausanias 1.24.3. Meaning: A cultic designation worshipped at crossroads and roadside shrines. Hermes Enodios protects travelers, merchants, and messengers. Offerings at stone cairns (hermai) often invoked him by this title. It emphasizes his boundary-transcending nature.

6. Ἑρμῆς Πομπαῖος (Hermēs Pompaios),,

Translation: The Escorter or Conductor. Source: Orphic Hymn 28.2; Pausanias 1.38.3. Meaning: In cultic settings, this epithet refers to Hermes’ function as a guide of both mortals and divine processions. In funerary and mystery rites, “Pompaios” expands to his chthonic form as conductor of souls to the underworld, later formalized in the Latin Psychopompos.

7. Ἑρμῆς Ἀγοραῖος (Hermēs Agoraios),,

Translation: Of the Market or Protector of Commerce. Source: Pausanias 1.15.1; Aristophanes, Knights 347. Meaning: A civic and economic title, reflecting Hermes’ oversight of speech, exchange, and fair dealing. Shrines to Hermes Agoraios stood at marketplaces and city gates, representing divine sanction over honest trade and rhetorical skill.

8. Ἑρμῆς Ἐπιμήλιος (Hermēs Epimēlios),,

Translation: Guardian of Flocks or Protector of Sheep. Source: Theocritus, Idylls 17.94; scholia on Homeric Hymn to Hermes. Meaning: A pastoral epithet associated with his Arcadian heritage. Hermes Epimelios safeguards herds and herdsmen, connecting divine favor to rural fertility.

9. Ἑρμῆς Πολύτροπος (Hermēs Polytropos),,

Translation: Of Many Turns or Wily. Source: Parallels with Odyssey 1.1 (used for Odysseus); Homeric Hymn to Hermes 4.13. Meaning: Though more commonly attached to Odysseus, this epithet describes Hermes’ clever adaptability and endless inventiveness. It underscores his shared archetype with mortal cunning heroes and his domain over wit, deception, and innovation.

10. Ἑρμῆς Χθόνιος (Hermēs Chthonios),,

Translation: Of the Earth or Underworld Hermes. Source: Orphic Hymn 28.6; Pausanias 9.39.3. Meaning: A deeply chthonic aspect, worshipped in funerary cults. Hermes Chthonios mediates between the living and the dead, protecting graves and guiding spirits through liminal spaces.

11. Ἑρμῆς Ψυχοπομπός (Hermēs Psychopompos),,

Translation: Guide of Souls or Escort of Spirits. Source: Homer, Odyssey 24.1–10; Orphic Hymn 28.12; Pausanias 8.31.4. Meaning: Perhaps Hermes’ most enduring chthonic title, “Psychopompos” defines his sacred duty to guide the souls of the dead from the mortal world to Hades. The Odyssey vividly describes Hermes leading the shades of the slain suitors to the Asphodel Meadows, symbolizing his liminality and compassion toward the departed.

12. Ἑρμῆς Προπύλαιος (Hermēs Propylaïos),,

Translation: Of the Gateways or Before the Gates. Source: Pausanias 1.22.8; inscriptions from the Athenian Acropolis. Meaning: Cult epithet emphasizing Hermes’ function as guardian of thresholds. Statues of Hermes Propylaïos stood at temple entrances and city gates, representing safe passage and purification. The title merges civic piety with apotropaic protection.

13. Ἑρμῆς Νόμιος (Hermēs Nomios),,

Translation: Keeper of Pastures or Shepherd of Law. Source: Theocritus, Idylls 1.123; scholia on Pindar. Meaning: A rustic title reflecting Hermes’ association with the pastoral life of Arcadia. “Nomios” derives from nomos (“pasture” or “law”), combining the dual concepts of natural order and human regulation. He ensures harmony among herds, humans, and divine boundaries.

14. Ἑρμῆς Κλειδοῦχος (Hermēs Kleidouchos),,

Translation: Keeper of the Keys or Key-Bearer. Source: Orphic Hymn 28.7; late inscriptions at Eleusis. Meaning: A theurgic and mystery-cult epithet identifying Hermes as gatekeeper of liminal realms—earthly, celestial, and infernal. As Kleidouchos, he opens and closes the way between worlds, paralleling his role in the Hermetic corpus as mediator of cosmic transitions.

15. Ἑρμῆς Δόλιος (Hermēs Dolios),,

Translation: Cunning, Deceptive, or Crafty Hermes. Source: Homeric Hymn to Hermes 4.13–90; scholia on Aristophanes. Meaning: Poetic and humorous in tone, “Dolios” highlights Hermes’ trickster aspect. This epithet is not pejorative in antiquity; it signals his divine cleverness, inventiveness, and moral flexibility in service of divine will.

16. Ἑρμῆς Προμηθεύς (Hermēs Promētheus),,

Translation: Forethinker or One of Forethought. Source: Pindar, Olympian Odes 14; scholia on Hesiod. Meaning: A rare but significant epithet identifying Hermes with foresight and rational cunning. It links him symbolically to Prometheus, as both embody metis—the intelligent, inventive wisdom that bridges gods and mortals.

17. Ἑρμῆς Χρηματιστής (Hermēs Chrēmatistēs),,

Translation: Giver of Oracles or Interpreter. Source: Herodotus 2.138; inscriptions at Tanagra. Meaning: This title connects Hermes to divinatory functions. “Chrēmatistēs” implies one who delivers divine answers or prophecies. Hermes was believed to inspire dreams and omens, particularly through oracular incubation at his rural shrines.

18. Ἑρμῆς Ἀκακῆτας (Hermēs Akakētas),,

Translation: Gentle or Harmless Hermes. Source: Pausanias 8.31.4; Arcadian cult evidence. Meaning: A local Arcadian epithet denoting his benevolent nature, especially toward shepherds and travelers. Hermes Akaketas is invoked for safety, reconciliation, and the easing of fear.

19. Ἑρμῆς Κέρδος (Hermēs Kerdos),,

Translation: Of Gain or Profit. Source: Plato, Cratylus 407e; Herodotus 2.122. Meaning: “Kerdos” personifies gain or profit. As Hermes Kerdos, the god presides over commerce and cunning financial dealings. This title blurs the line between honest trade and strategic manipulation, reflecting the moral ambivalence of ancient mercantile culture.

20. Ἑρμῆς Λόγιος (Hermēs Logios),,

Translation: Of Speech or Eloquence. Source: Pausanias 1.24.3; Dio Chrysostom, Orationes 12.25. Meaning: “Logios” celebrates Hermes as patron of eloquence, rhetoric, and the persuasive word. In Athens, statues of Hermes Logios adorned gymnasia and lecture spaces, sanctifying education, philosophy, and refined discourse.

21. Ἑρμῆς Θαλλίτης (Hermēs Thallitēs),,

Translation: Of Blooming or of Prosperity. Source: Hesychius, Lexicon s.v. “Thallites.” Meaning: A fertility epithet honoring Hermes as giver of vitality and flourishing crops. The title may be etymologically linked to thallos (young shoot or bloom), connecting him to agricultural and erotic regeneration.

22. Ἑρμῆς Σωτήρ (Hermēs Sōtēr),,

Translation: The Savior or Deliverer. Source: Inscriptions from Tanagra and Corinth; Orphic Hymn 28.14. Meaning: This epithet elevates Hermes as a soteriological figure, one who rescues the soul from confusion and ensures safe passage between planes. “Sōtēr” appears across Hellenistic cults to express divine guardianship and moral protection.

23. Ἑρμῆς Χθόνιος Ἐναγώνιος (Hermēs Chthonios Enagōnios),,

Hellenic cheat sheets

- Ἑρμης Πομπαιος -

Hermes Pompaeus - “The Guide”

Another kind of obscure entry to Hermes’ epithets and titles is Hermes Perpheraios, which translates to Wanderer. This was a cult title of the god in the Greek city of Ainos in Thrace, where he was a patron, and his image appeared on coins minted there.

From Ancient Greek Cults, by Jennifer Larson:

“At Ainos the cult of Hermes was certainly well established by the mid-fifth century, when coins depict an unusual, pillar-like statue standing on a high-backed throne. The body has no arms or legs, nor is it equipped with a phallos like standard herms. The head is anthropomorphic and bearded; in some examples the god wears a hat or is draped. The throne, an elaborate piece of furniture sometimes decorated with a goat attribute or the god’s wand, conveys the message that the image is sacred. According to a legend related by Callimachus (fr. 197 Pf.), some fishermen of Ainos netted a block of wood and recognized in it a god, which Apollo’s oracle instructed them to set up in the city. Epeios, maker of the Trojan horse, had sculpted the image, and it was washed to the sea from the kamandros river. The statue was known as Hermes Perpheraios, probably a reference to a ritual of periphora in which the god was ceremoniously conducted about the city to spread his benefactions.” (1)

The context of 'Wanderer' might also relate to Hermes as a protector of travelers and seafarers. According to Sandra Blakely: "His embodiment as the archaic wooden Hermes Perpheraios links him to the Samothracian rites and to exceptional maritime power." (2)

Ivana Petrovic suggests that the poem of Kallimachos is allegory representing Iambic poetry, whether or not it was based in existing stories. The author also suggests that 'Ainos' could in context, have an alternate meaning of "story, fable" and that the cult title Perpheraios could have a context of: "passing of the poetry from mouth to mouth". (3)

That’s about all I’ve been able to dig up on Hermes Perpheraios that discusses it at any length - more information is always welcome if you have it!

Sources under the cut.

This is an underappreciated poetic epithet of Hermes—it was not worshipped in antiquity and often doesn't get mentioned. The epithet originates from Aeschylus' play, "The Suppliants," or "The Suppliant Women," in which an Egyptian Herald receives notice from Hermes Masterios about the location of 50 missing women.

[KING] To what patrons of your land was your notice given? [HERALD] To Hermes, the Searcher, greatest of patrons.

I wonder if you can give some suggestions for which Hellenic Pantheon to whom I can pray for protection during a travel? Since soon I will have my first solo trip, and despite all the planning, I can't help but feel anxious at the thought of having to walk alone on the street in a foreign city late at night. It'll also be of great help for me, if you could offer some advice on prayer/offering/gesture and name some related epithets of the said god or goddess.

Thank you so much as always for your brilliant blog, and have a great day! 💚

Hi there!

I'd suggest Hermes since he's the god of travel! Travellers would pray to him before their journey and ask for safety and protection. It's also possible the travellers sometimes offered him something they acquired during their journey.

Some epithets you could use are:

Hodios - of the journey/travel; the guardian of roads and travellers,

Eriounês - Luck-Bringing or Ready-Helper

Athanatos Diaktoros - Immortal Guide [or just Diaktoros - Guide]

Here are general posts about prayer: LINK1 ; LINK2

A cheat sheet for Hermes with some offering suggestions: LINK