In Greek mythology, Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia is the messenger god. As a herald, he has a role relating to boundaries, transitions, exchange, commerce, and trade. He was also known for his skill in theft. He is a patron for travelers, merchants, thieves, heralds, and messengers. In the Psychopompos, he escorts the dead to the underworld (Tartaros or Hades). The Romans equated him with Mercury