Lies have been told since the beginning of the Bible. Cain lied to God about Abel's death, but was a terrible liar. Hermes lied to his mother and Apollo but he was very good at it. Many of the ancient Greeks valued good liars. Hermes is the god who guided people to the underworld. He is most importantly the god of deceit. Hermes represents skillful liars who can find ways out of trouble.

Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia. He lived in a lofty cave on Mount Cyllene. He was very "precocious, even for a god" (D'Aulaire 50) at a very young age. He would sit and think of mischief in the cave before he was even wrapped and put into a basket (D'Aulaire 50). Hermes became the messenger of the gods when Zeus was so delighted with his wit and the way he handled himself in the myth...