Messenger Of The Gods Statue Mercury with pipes know to the Romans. To the Greeks known as Hermes was the god of shepherds, merchants, literature, and thieves. He was also the messenger of the gods and conductor of souls to the underworld. The messenger of the gods and patron of commerce and trading, winged Mercury speeds through the skies carrying the caduceus that symbolizes both immunity during war and the practice of medicine. This sculpture makes a wonderful gift.