Hermes could be the modern day god of millennials, as he shares many characteristics with today’s culture. Hermes depicted in the black figure pottery style wearing winged sandals. Credit: Katolophyromai / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

The ancient Greek god Hermes (Roman Mercury) was a multifaceted deity whose qualities resonate strongly with today’s millennials. As messenger, traveler, and patron of commerce and communication, his traits closely mirror those commonly associated with the current generation.

Hermes was also the god of speed with his winged feet enabling him to deliver messages swiftly to the gods on Olympus and to mortals alike, conveying information quickly and efficiently. He was known as the god of playful mischief—the divine trickster.

With his quick wit added to the mix, Hermes embodies key traits that could make him the most modern of the ancient Greek gods—one who might well be the god of today’s millennials.

Best known as Hermes the Messenger, the word “messenger” today no longer conjures images of a sweaty runner panting into the town square with urgent news. Instead, it’s the app we all, young and old, use every single day, and for millennials, it means nothing else but this.

For argument’s sake, let’s say Hermes is a modern god who could be the deity of millennials—no marble statue needed; an AI-generated photo would suffice.

Hermes was a highly adaptable god. His wit and mischievous nature helped him stay on good terms with the other gods. This adaptability mirrors the millennial trait of thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Hermes, the god of communication

If there is one word to describe Hermes , it’s communication. Today, he wouldn’t be wearing a chiton but, rather, trendy attire, and he would be sitting in front of a giant computer screen, typing billions of messages per hour—delivered at 5G speed across the globe.

Hermes’ Olympus is the social network, where millennials faithfully spend most of their time craving instant connection and rapid information. His cheekiness and sense of humor perfectly match the millennial spirit.

As the god of mischief, much of that information might be “fake news”—not always with ill intent but often just for fun. After all, Hermes is the god of quick wit. His language can shift meaning with a single emoji, turning an entire statement upside down.

A mischievous message from this ancient—now modern—god could spark a riot in a large city. If in a better mood and feeling generous, he might share advice for a miraculous herb to cure a mild illness.

When narratives become tools for influence and manipulation, Hermes can deliver stories for every occasion. He might be the god of propaganda, but let’s not paint him as a villain—he’s merely the messenger. “Please don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger,” he would plead.

Hermes, god of millennials: Patron of commerce and travel

As the patron god of commerce, Hermes could easily be worshiped today by online businesses and shoppers alike—something millennials would especially appreciate. Many have never set foot in a record store, yet they can easily order a 1990s vinyl album for delivery—not by Hermes, of course, but that’s beside the point.

Social networks now seamlessly blend commerce with direct communication between sellers and buyers worldwide. Millennials might well say, “Thank you, Hermes,” as they discover new opportunities in the digital marketplace. Yet Hermes is also the god of thieves; if someone falls victim to an online scam, it’s not the god or the internet at fault, but rather poor judgment.

Millennials also excel in online entrepreneurship. Many startups are born and nurtured in cyberspace, producing goods and services that impact the real world. Born into an era of affordable global travel, millennials journey frequently, too, with Hermes—the eternal traveler and protector of wayfarers—watching over them at all times.

Though Hermes has not officially been named the god of millennials, his traits resonate deeply with modern life and millennial culture. It cannot be denied that his qualities perfectly suit those navigating today’s ever-changing world.