Reflection on Some Epithets of Hermes

Use the Greek or one of the English translations. In Greek, words had a special form when used to talk directly to someone. This was called the “vocative” (think: invoke, evoke). If you choose to use the Greek, you can use this form when directly praying to a god. The vocative form for some of the epithets are given (more to be added later.)

Polutropos [po LOO tro pos]. The Many Turning One. The Well Traveled. Knows the way, he’s been there and back, making the flip turn in life, just when you think you know the way, he turns everything around, get used to the not knowing, there is great wisdom there. Sleight of hand, the grift, Hermes can’t con an honest man, but he can sure make you laugh. To use this epithet in meditation and ritual, use the vocative form: Polutrope [po-loo-tro-PAY]

Diaktoros [dee-AHK-to-ros]. Guide. Messenger. Hermes is the messenger of the gods. He is well-travelled and knows the way. To use this epithet in meditation and ritual, use the vocative form: Diaktore [dee-ahk-to-RAY].

Psychopompos [psoo-ko-pom-POS – sounding out both the p and the s]. Guide of the Dead. Conductor of Souls. Hermes was part of the chthonic mysteries both at Eleusis and Samothrake. He guided souls to the afterlife and occasionally back again. To use this epithet in meditation and ritual, use the vocative form: Psychopompe [psoo-ko-pom-PAY]

Agonios [ah-GO-nios]. Lord of the Games. Hermes is a god of sport and competition. In ancient Greece, athletics were a way of developing arete, personal excellence. The agon or sacred contest, was a major part of many festivals and the athletes that won them often went on to become political and military leaders. Hermes (along with Hercules) was the god most often found presiding over the gymnasiums where these athletes practiced. To use this epithet in meditation and ritual, use the vocative form: Agonie [ah-go-nee-AY]