Hermes is an immortal Greek god known as the messenger of the gods. He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene and demonstrated cleverness and skill at a young age by stealing Apollo's cattle and inventing the lyre using a tortoise shell. As the messenger god, Hermes guides souls to the underworld and carries Zeus's messages. Stories about Hermes emphasize his trickster nature but also portray him as a helpful god in Greek mythology.