Hermes is a divinity in ancient Greece. Messenger for the gods of Olympus, he was the Greek god who was closest to mankind and the most benevolent towards them. He gave them writing, dancing, the flute (of Pan) and the lyre, and invented weights and measures. He was the protector of merchants and travellers, and led souls to the Underworld. He wears winged sandals on his feet and holds a caduceus, a short laurel or olive staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings.